Russian Orthodox Icon Value Guide

This 18th-19th century Russian Orthodox icon represents a profound tradition of spiritual craftsmanship, serving as a sacred window to the divine. Hand-painted with tempera on a wood panel, these pieces are highly collectible for their rich symbolism and the distinct evolution of the Russian style from its Byzantine roots.

What Is Russian Orthodox Icon Worth?

The typical price range for Russian Orthodox Icon is $500 - $600 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The preservation of the gold leaf and the lack of significant paint loss or 'craquelure' in the tempera layers.
• The intricacy of the carved wood frame and whether it is original to the 18th or 19th-century panel.
• The complexity of the iconography and the specific saint depicted, as rarer subjects often command higher prices.
• The overall size of the panel and the quality of the fine detail work in the facial features and vestments.

How to Identify Russian Orthodox Icon?

• Examine the substrate for a solid wood panel, which often features horizontal support slats known as 'shponki' on the reverse.
• Look for the characteristic use of egg tempera paint, which creates a matte, durable finish unlike modern oils.
• Identify authentic gold leaf gilding, which should show slight overlapping lines or 'seams' rather than a perfectly uniform metallic spray.
• Verify the presence of traditional Cyrillic inscriptions identifying the saint, typically integrated into the background or halo.

History of Russian Orthodox Icon

Icons have been a central part of Orthodox Christian worship since the earliest centuries. They serve as windows to the divine, not worshipped in themselves, but venerated as sacred images that help believers connect with spiritual truths and figures. Russian icons, in particular, developed a distinct style characterized by rich symbolism, specific color palettes, and often intricate details, evolving significantly from Byzantine prototypes.