Saint Nicholas of Myra (Nicholas the Wonderworker), Late 19th century

Egg tempera on panel

Height x width: 18 x 14.3 cm

Here, he is depicted in his traditional and majestic role as a wonder-worker (thaumaturge) and archbishop. The saint’s monumental figure appears as a half-length portrait at the center of the composition, distinguished by a characteristically high, broad forehead—a symbol of profound theological wisdom—and a finely rendered, grey-white beard. Saint Nicholas wears solemn episcopal liturgical vestments, most notably a wide, emerald-green omophorion adorned with prominent black Greek crosses outlined in gold, draped over an ochre-gold phelonion richly highlighted with dense, fine gold lines (*assist*). In his left hand, he holds a massive, closed Book of the Gospels, embellished with a painted, gem-studded binding in shades of red and gold; his right hand is raised in a solemn gesture of blessing, following the Orthodox rite. Flanking the large golden halo, within two circular medallions (clipei), the miracle of Nicaea is portrayed: on the left, Christ the Savior offers the Book of the Gospels to Nicholas, while on the right, the Mother of God presents him with the omophorion, thereby legitimizing his episcopal dignity following his temporary deposition by a church council.