“Saint Nikita slaying the demon,” created circa 1625 by the Orthodox Icons, is a tempera painting belonging to the Moscow school of icon painting. The artwork measures 34 x 27 cm and is a part of the “Saints” series, currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts Saint Nikita in a dynamic and authoritative stance, grasping a demon character with one hand while wielding a weapon with the other. His haloed figure is dressed in traditional attire, with a red cloak dramatically draped over one shoulder, symbolizing his sanctity and bravery. A celestial figure, possibly an angel, descends from the heavens above, adding a divine intervention element to the scene. In the background, a group of soldiers or guards stands in front of an architectural structure, observing the miraculous event. The use of vibrant colors and detailed representation underscores the spiritual and narrative significance of the icon, typical of the Moscow school of icon painting. The tempera medium gives the painting a distinctive texture, contributing to its historical and religious aura.