Who painted Pyhä Nikolaus?

Pyhä Nikolaus was painted by tekijä ei tiedossa.

Where can I see Pyhä Nikolaus?

Pyhä Nikolaus is held by Finnish National Gallery.

Artwork

Pyhä Nikolaus

Pyhä Nikolaus is an unspecified painting by tekijä ei tiedossa. It is held in the collection of the Finnish National Gallery. The work depicts Saint Nicholas clad in a flowing red garment, holding a book and extending his right hand in a benediction.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts Saint Nicholas clad in a flowing red garment, holding a book and extending his right hand in a benediction. The figure is set against a luminous gold field, a hallmark of traditional religious imagery. The composition presents a solemn, composed expression, aligning with the conventions of Russian Orthodox iconography.

Subject & Meaning

Saint Nicholas, venerated as a protector and miracle‑worker, is shown in a posture of blessing, emphasizing his role as intercessor. The book he carries signifies his association with wisdom and the Gospel, while the raised hand conveys the conveyance of divine grace to the faithful.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera on a wooden panel, the painting required swift, precise brushwork due to the medium’s rapid drying time. The gold background is not merely pigment; minute glass beads were embedded to create a subtle shimmer, enhancing the sacred aura. The stylized, serene visage reflects the formal aesthetic of Russian Orthodox icons.

History & Provenance

The piece belongs to the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed among other examples of Eastern Christian art. Its attribution to a specific artist remains uncertain, but its materials and iconographic features place it within the tradition of medieval Russian devotional painting.