St. Nikita Chastising the Demon (Nikita Besogon), Hagiographical Icon.First half of the 15th century.

St. Nikita Chastising the Demon 

(Nikita Besogon), 

Hagiographical Icon.

First half of the 15th century. 

Tempera on wood. 

91 × 74 cm. 

Uglich State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

This panel depicts an episode from an apocryphal narrative where St. Nikita, imprisoned for his Christian faith, unmasks a demon posing as an angel. The composition centers on the dramatic climax: the saint grips the emaciated, winged demon and beats it with chains. Formed by traditional Byzantine iconography with regional Russian design elements, the icon features a complex layout with energetic postures, sharp contrasting contours, and a radiant golden background.