painted in bright colours, the present icon depicting St Nicholas in full length at the centre of the panel, holding a sword in one hand and the Kremlin of Mozhaisk in the other, surrounded by a black band decorated with silver floral motifs and twelve scenes showing events from his life clockwise from upper left: the birth of Nicholas; baptism of Nicholas; Nicholas healing a woman with the paralysed hand; Nicholas attending school; Nicholas being ordained as a deacon; Nicholas being inaugurated as a bishop; Nicholas celebrating liturgy; Nicholas casting the devil from a tree and a well; Nicholas saving three drowning young men; Nicholas returning Basil to his parents after he was robbed by Arabs; death of Nicholas; transfer of Nicholas' relics to Bari

Jan Morsink Ikonen, Amsterdam
Private collection

The panel consisting of two pieces of wood, clearly visible on the reverse, the border of the icon stripped down to the levkas, some wear to the painting, some minor retouching in several scenes, some restoration to the gilded background
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Icons illustrating the life of Nicholas can be found in Russia beginning in the 13th and 14th centuries. During that time, important themes in the saint's life were developed, including his birth, education, inauguration and assistance to the needy. An unusual feature of this icon, however, is a scene which shows Nicholas with three seafarers and a whale. A story widely recounted in the maritime cities of Russia tells of three traders on a ship thrown overboard by pirates. Two were able to save themselves by jumping onto a nearby rock, though the third drowned. While the two survivors were lamenting their friend, a whale emerged from the sea and spewed out the third man, who was holding a bag of gold coins. Then the rock on which the others stood split apart and, 'like an arrow shooting through water', all three men were safely brought ashore. This miraculous rescue was attributed to the intervention of Nicholas, patron saint of merchants and seafarers.