About the Piece

Saint Nicholas of Myra is one of the most important and popular saints in Russian iconography. This image of Saint Nicholas with its ornate riza and oklad is seated in a very unusual kiot in wood, glass, painted metal and beadwork. Kiots can be highly unique and add another aspect in the study of Russian icons.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Saint Nicholas was Bishop of Myra in Lycia and died December 6, 345 or 352.

Some of the main points in his legend include his birth at Parara, a city of Lycia in Asia Minor, a pilgrimage in his youth to Egypt and Palestine, being named Bishop of Myra shortly after his return, being cast into prison during the persecution of Diocletian and released after the accession of Constantine, and his presence at the Council of Nicaea. In 1087 Italian merchants stole his body at Myra, bringing it to Bari in Italy.