Saint Nicholas (about 1245 - 1305) was an Augustinian hermit. He was famed for his preaching and miracles. He was often invoked against the plague (for other plague saints, see the entries for Saints Sebastian and Roch).
Nicholas was canonised in 1446. He is normally shown in the black habit of the Augustinians and is sometimes depicted with a star on his chest which refers to the star said to have appeared at his birth. Other attributes include a crucifix, a book, a lily and a pair of pigeons. The birds allude to a dish of two roast birds he is said to have restored to life.