Wall Painting of Saint Nicholas

Byzantine and Christian Museum, Athens, Greece

---

Material: Wall painting (fresco)
Subject: Saint Nicholas
Date range: 11th century AD (second layer)
Location: North side of the southwest pilaster

Fragmentary wall painting (fresco), depicting a standing Christian saint, identified as Saint Nicholas.

Iconographic Details

The figure is rendered frontally, wearing the vestments of a bishop or priest, with a distinctive high forehead and a serious expression. A reddish-orange halo encircles the saint's head. The saint wears a pale, reddish-brown outer garment (phelonion or similar cloak) over a lighter tunic. Two large, black crosses decorate the shoulders of the vestment.

The saint holds what appears to be a book or gospel in his left hand, and his right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing or holding a scroll. The style is typical of Middle Byzantine iconography, characterized by strong outlines and the formal, hieratic presentation of the figure.

Context and Dating

The wall painting is a second layer (deutero stroma) of fresco. It is dated to the 11th century. The original location was the North side of the southwest pilaster.

Museum label reference: Wall painting with Saint Nicholas. North side of southwest pilaster (second layer). 11th c. BXM 1363

Original Text: Τοιχογραφία με παράσταση του αγίου Νικολάου. Βόρειος τοίχος νοτιοδυτικού τοιχοπεσσού (δεύτερο στρώμα). 11ος αι. BXM 1363

---

Supplementary images:

• 

---

Fragmentary wall painting (fresco) depicting Saint Nicholas, 11th century

---

Source: