Icon of St. Nicholas: the history of the iconographic image

Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most revered saints in the Christian world, so it is not surprising that his icon-paintings occupy a special place. Icons of St. Nicholas are found in almost every Orthodox church.

Nicholas of Myra was called the miracle worker for a reason, because even during his lifetime, extraordinary miracles were attributed to him. The saint was endowed with similar qualities even after death. This was also passed on to the icons with the face of Nicholas the Wonderworker: it was assumed that they protected from illnesses and misfortunes.

It is believed that the lifetime portrait of Nicholas of Myra became the prototype for one of the first icons of the saint. It is assumed that it was written shortly after the death and canonization of the saint. The oldest image dates back to the 12th century and is kept in the Basilica of the Wonderworker in Italian Bari.

Images of the saint were depicted on icons no less than Christ, the Trinity or the Mother of God. The appearance of the Wonderworker radiates peace, which, first of all, manifests itself in a deep and kind look.

There are three types of icons of the saint - full-length, shoulder and waist icons. Life-size images show St. Nicholas in full growth, holding the Gospel, a sword or a temple in his hands. On shoulder icons, the saint appears just below the shoulders. They are among the most dramatic and personal images: the Wonderworker seems to be addressing the one who is praying. Belt icons show St. Nicholas from the waist. In one hand he holds the Gospel, while the fingers of the other hand are folded for blessing. As a rule, in canonical images, the saint is dressed in rich episcopal robes.

More iconic images of saints, including St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, are presented in the section "Icons. Cult Items” on the Violity website.