a select group of saints and holy martyrs surrounds a central image of Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. Nicholas, clad in intricately decorated green vestments, holds a closed Gospel book in his left hand and lifts his right hand in a two-finger blessing, an image of Christ on a rolling cloud appears in a carved alcove at the center of the top edge. Such icons were commonly commissioned by families and represented the patron saints of the individual family members. Egg tempera, gold leaf and gesso on wood panel with kovcheg. Two insert splints on the back, one missing. 31.5 x 26.3 cm (12 3/8 x 10 3/8 in.)

Bernard J. Winters was a philanthropist and art collector who was captivated by Russian icons. Over a fifty-year period, he worked closely with Sotheby`s, Christie`s, and private collectors to cultivate his collection. His monumental icons, as well as those purchased from Natalie Hays Hammond, daughter of John Hays Hammond, diplomat, were some of his favored items.


PROVENANCE
Natalie Hays Hammond, daughter of John Hays Hammond, famous mining engineer, diplomat, and philantropist
Collection of Bernard Winters, Armonk, New York, as of 1965 (acquired directly from Natalie Hammond)

EXHIBITED
North Salem, Westchester County, New York, The Hammond Museum, Faiths: An Exhibition based upon the definition in the Epistle to the Hebrews, xi, 1., April 1965.