Featured How old is this religious painting on wood? Who is the Saint?

Hi all! Religious artwork is not something I usually pick up but I thought I would give this one a go (I didn't pay a huge amount for it). I got it from an auction house, listed only as "very old painting"- which I know to take with a pinch of salt! What age do you think it is? Is it newer made to look old? Any idea who the Saint is? It measures 15.5"L x 13.25" framed and 11.7"L x 9.4"W unframed. The wood panel seems a bit warped, it doesn't sit very well in it's frame (maybe not the original frame?). Thanks for any info as always

 

Saint Nicholas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas

 

Thank you!

 

He is a Bishop, but there are many saints who were Bishops. I don't see any other identifying features.

 

He looks like an early modern depiction of Saint Nicolas, but you can never be sure.
He looks like a picture in one of my books (1595).

 

An image of a bishop with a child or children is usually St Nicholas.

This is the type of painting I used to see a lot in convents and monasteries. Guessing 18th century.

 

Oh yes, he does!

 

Oh really, that old? That's great thank you!

 

I agree with your guess.

 

You can tell from the back it has likely been cut down - and yes, frame not original if that is the case. I would add that 19th century is also quite possible.

Because the bottom and right are missing it is unlikely to be signed anymore (even if it was originally). Nevertheless, might be worth carefully removing from frame to see if anything is hidden.

Just put it back afterwards - panels can warp if not kept in a frame. In fact, you should do a better job of framing using that frame but attaching better to prevent further warping. The few nails that are being used are not adequate - google how to frame it better.