19th-Century Russian Icon, St. Nicholas Of Myra 17th we see a cluster of

we see a cluster of figures gathered around a blacksmith’s forge in the village of Chiddingstone

the King ordered that children should be sacrificed instead based upon a grim lottery

shaped by the era’s emphasis on composure

An inscription on the reverse describes the piece as a painting of the artist’s mistress

he turns with a tender expression that exudes quiet confidence

19th-Century Russian Icon, St. Nicholas Of Myra 17th we see a cluster ofThis late 19th century Russian icon depicts Saint Nicholas of Myra, the wonderworker, flanked by images of Jesus Christ and Mary. Hes shown in half length, dressed in vestments and holding the gospels in his left hand. Saint Nicholas was a 4th century Greek bishop who was credited with numerous miracles and the giving of gifts. As such, over the centuries, his story was adapted to become the basis of Sinterklaas, or Santa Claus. According to legend,