Russian Icon of the Mother of God Value Guide

This 19th-century Russian Icon of the Mother of God represents a pinnacle of Orthodox devotional art, serving as a sacred 'window to the divine.' Crafted with traditional tempera and gold leaf on wood, it reflects the deep spiritual heritage of the Kievan Rus' artistic evolution.

What affects the value of Russian Icon of the Mother of God?

• The preservation of the gold leaf gilding and the clarity of the Mother of God's facial features.
• The physical condition of the wooden support, including the absence of significant warping or woodworm damage.
• The complexity of the iconographic detail and the quality of the brushwork in the tempera layers.
• Current market demand for 19th-century devotional pieces, currently valued between $1,700 and $1,870.

How to Identify Russian Icon of the Mother of God?

• Look for the traditional multi-layered construction of gesso and egg tempera on a solid wood panel.
• Examine the icon for authentic 19th-century Russian stylistic elements, including specific Cyrillic inscriptions identifying the holy figures.
• Check for the presence of a 'kovcheg', the recessed central area of the wooden panel typical of authentic antique icons.
• Verify the natural aging of the gold leaf and the characteristic craquelure pattern in the paint layers.

History of Russian Icon of the Mother of God

Russian icons are central to Orthodox Christian worship, serving as windows to the divine. The tradition dates back to early Christianity, evolving with distinct artistic styles in Russia from the Kievan Rus' era. Icons are not worshipped themselves but are venerated as sacred images, believed to facilitate prayer and connection with the holy figures they represent. This specific icon likely served a devotional purpose in a private home or small chapel, embodying centuries of religious art.