Agios Nikolaos – Engraved Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Engraved Lithograph with Agios Nikolaos

Saint Nicholas was born in the 3rd century AD in Patara, Lycia, to pious parents. It was active during the reign of emperors Diocletian (284-304 AD), Maximian (286-305 AD) and Constantine the Great.

He was orphaned at a young age, inheriting from his parents a large fortune. Nicholas, inspired by philanthropic feelings, used his fortune to relieve those in need.

Then he devoted himself to the ascetic life. However, due to his special virtue, he was honored, without seeking it, initially with the office of priest in Patara and then with the office of archbishop of Myra. From this position he lovingly led his flock and boldly confessed the truth of the gospel. This led to his arrest and imprisonment by local rulers.

When Constantine the Great became emperor, all Christians who were imprisoned were released. Thus, Nicholas returned to the archbishopric throne of Myra. He took part in the First Ecumenical Council where he stood out for his wisdom and ethos.

Saint Nicholas was gifted, while still alive, with the gift of miraculous work. His miracles to this day are innumerable. He died in 330 A.D. The Church honors his memory on December 6 and he is the patron saint of sailors.

Engraved Lithography: Features

The work is crafted entirely by hand, without machinery, in carved natural wood. It is the work of hagiographer Athanasios, a student of the Athonite Ecclesiastical Academy, who remains faithful to Byzantine art as he was taught it on Mount Athos. His works are covered with pure beeswax so that they remain unchanged over time.

In this particular icon, the hagiographer monk used the technique of lithography to create a work of unique beauty. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught in the hagiography workshops of the Athonite State. In fact, the artificial aging of hagiography is handmade, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos pay particular attention.

As the image is handmade and the wood is processed entirely by hand, there may be slight variations in the dimensions of each image.

Image available upon request.

Origin: Mount Athos