Oil painting Icon of the Saint Oleksandr Gukalov

№AAA3241

"Icon of the Saint" is a traditional Orthodox Christian icon depicting Saint Nicholas, one of the most revered saints in Eastern Christianity. This oil painting captures the essence of Byzantine iconography, characterized by its rich symbolism, formal stylization, and spiritual depth. The saint is portrayed frontally, gazing directly at the viewer, creating a sense of spiritual connection. He is dressed in ornate episcopal vestments, which include a richly decorated omophorion (a type of stole) and a chasuble adorned with crosses and intricate patterns. His face is solemn and compassionate, reflecting his role as a protector and miracle worker. The red and gold vestments are elaborately detailed, symbolizing the saint’s high rank within the Church. The crosses on his omophorion emphasize his episcopal authority. A golden halo surrounds Saint Nicholas’s head, signifying his holiness and divine favor. In his left hand, he holds a closed Book of Gospels, symbolizing his role as a teacher of the faith. His right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing, with two fingers extended, a common iconographic motif representing Christ’s dual nature as both human and divine. The background of the icon is rendered in a warm gold tone, signifying the heavenly realm and the saint’s divine connection. To the left and right of Saint Nicholas are smaller medallions depicting Jesus Christ and the Theotokos (Mother of God), respectively. Christ is shown holding a Gospel book and blessing with his right hand, while the Theotokos is depicted in a red robe, symbolizing her purity and status as the Mother of God. The inscriptions in Cyrillic at the top of the icon identify the saint as "Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker". This icon is rich in theological and spiritual symbolism. Saint Nicholas is known for his generosity, miracles, and protection of the innocent, making him a beloved figure in both Eastern and Western Christianity. The inclusion of Christ and the Theotokos highlights his close relationship with the divine and his intercessory role. The detailed depiction of vestments and the blessing gesture emphasize the saint’s ecclesiastical authority and his ongoing spiritual presence. The use of traditional iconographic techniques, such as the flat perspective, the use of gold, and the formalized facial expressions, connects this work to the long tradition of Orthodox Christian iconography, which aims to convey spiritual truths rather than realistic portrayals. "Icon of the Saint" is a profound piece that transcends mere artistic representation, serving as a window into the divine. It invites the viewer into a space of contemplation and reverence, connecting them with the rich spiritual heritage of Orthodox Christianity. The meticulous attention to detail and adherence to traditional iconographic conventions make this painting a beautiful and meaningful tribute to Saint Nicholas.

*** ABOUT THIS PAINTING ***
* TITLE: "Icon of the Saint"
* ARTISTS: Oleksandr Gukalov
* SIZE: 30x40 cm/'11.81x15.74 inches'
* MEDIUM: oil, canvas on cardboard
* HAND PAINTED: Original painting from our collection
* CONDITION: we tried to convey the maximum information with the help of photos about this product

About the artists: Oleksiyander Gukalov
After graduating from Lviv Polytechnic, he was engaged in scientific work. In his free time, he studied the works of Plato, the poetry of the ancient East, and religious works. At this time, resistance to the routine of life and utilitarian science arose in him; he became interested in man and his secrets. Oleksiyander decided to end his engineering career and become a humanitarian. Since 1990, he began to write and publish philosophical poems. Later he decided to devote himself to painting, a passion for which began during his years of study at the Lviv Polytechnic with caricatures and caricatures of classmates and teachers.

Since 2017 he has been painting with oil paints. Oleksiyander does not have a formal art education, but he is convinced that the craft and talent of an artist do not directly depend on professional education. The artist's works are characterized by completeness of composition and depth of meaning. He is not afraid to work with different themes, his paintings are true modern art that touches people. The artist’s portfolio includes landscapes and views of his favorite cities, portraits of pop stars, politicians, athletes, relatives, and animals. “I draw a toga when I feel the need for it. Therefore, I cannot say that I work in some narrow direction. Rather, it is a call from the soul,” the artist says about himself.

Exhibitions

2011 – Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2011 – Exhibition “World of Jazz”, Lutsk

2011 – Exhibition Arts.in.ua, Kiev

2012 – Personal exhibition in the art cafe “Apartment 35”, Lviv

2012 – Personal exhibition “On the Waves of Dreams”, Lutsk

2012 – International exhibition “Plain Air”, West Park Art Gallery, New York

2012 – International competition “Peace, Time and People”, special medal of achievements St. Michael, New York

2012 – Exhibition of artists who were included in the K-Gallery catalogue, Kyiv

2012 – International exhibition-competition of contemporary art “Ukrainian Art Week”, Kyiv

2013 – opening of a permanent exhibition and sale, Lutsk

2013 – Exhibition “Spring Impressions” of the international art project “Vicious Circle of Impressions”, Kiev

2015 – Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2015 – Ukrainian-Italian exhibition “Single Space”, Kyiv

2015 – International art project “New York – Tokyo”, Tokyo

2016 – International art project “Color in Motion”, New York Realism Gallery, first place and Gold medal in the category “Impressionism”, New York

2021 – International exhibition “Art Nest Paris”, Paris

Oleksandr Gukalov