St. Nicholas of Zaraisk and his vita showing St. Nicholas in the centre holding the Book of Gospels with Christ Our Lord in the top left corner and the Mother of God on the right.The Twelve scenes of his life include the Birth of St. Nicholas, his Baptism, early education, his nomination as a Bishop, his Appearance in a Dream to the Emperor Constantine, freeing three men from prison, saves the Christians from execution, saves a drowning man, returns a kidnapped Child to its parents and finally is laid to rest. Central Russian icon, 18th century, (31½ x 27 cm).