Saint Nicholas of Myra 1025

This 11th-century icon of Saint Nicholas of Myra is a prime example of Orthodox iconography. The icon, housed in Saint Catherine's Monastery in Egypt, portrays Saint Nicholas in a frontal pose, dressed in the traditional bishop's robes. His hand rests on a closed book, symbolizing his wisdom and teachings. The icon's stylized features and flatness of form are characteristic of Byzantine art, aiming to evoke the spiritual presence of the saint. The golden background further reinforces the icon's devotional function, creating a sense of sacredness and transcendence.