Obonezhye, North Novgorod Province
Provenance: St Barbara’s Chapel, Esino, Medvezhegorsk District, Karelia

St Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lucia, who lived in the fourth century, became famous as a great miracle worker. In Rus, his veneration as an advocate for humanity, one who helped those in need, a protector of travellers, and protector against any injustice gained a foothold with the adoption of Christianity (10th century) and spread throughout all strata of society. The saint s iconography was formed in Byzantine in the 10th century. He was traditionally depicted in ceremonial archbishop vestments, in full or half length, with his right hand raised in blessing and with the Gospels in his left. Icons with the head and shoulders of the saint surrounded by half figures of selected saints were widespread in the icon painting of the northern provinces of Novgorod. Their distinguishing feature is the red background in the centre of the icon, drawing attention to St Nicholas s face, and the unique, often repetitive structure of the saints surrounding the centre. At the top of the icon from Esino, a five-figure Deesis is depicted with the image of a Saviour Not-Made-By-Hands in the centre. According to popular conception, each of the saints depicted on the sides were given a special gift by God: the ability to heal various diseases, to defend others from the wiles of the Devil and to save others from poverty and misfortune. It is these properties that connect them with Archbishop Nicholas. He is chief among all patrons and intercessors for people.