The artwork titled “Saint Nicholas of Myra,” created by Orthodox Icons between circa 1200 and circa 1250 during the Latin Empire of Constantinople (1204-1261), exemplifies the icon genre within the context of the Saints series. This piece, measuring 82 by 56.9 centimeters, is currently housed in Saint Catherine’s Monastery, located on Mount Sinai in Egypt.
The artwork depicts the figure of Saint Nicholas, a revered saint within the Christian tradition, with a serene and composed expression. His visage is framed by a halo, a traditional symbol of sanctity in iconography. He is clothed in ornate episcopal vestments, characterized by their elaborate patterns and gold tones, and holds a book, likely representing the Gospels, indicative of his role as a bishop and teacher. The background is rendered in a gold hue, adding a celestial and spiritual quality to the composition. Flanking Saint Nicholas are smaller depictions of Jesus Christ, presenting a Gospel book, and the Theotokos (Mother of God), both adding layers of theological significance to the piece. The artwork’s surface shows signs of wear and aging, which adds to its historical and aesthetic value, reflecting the passage of time and the veneration it has received throughout the centuries.
