Saint George and the Dragon Icon Value Guide

This antique Greek icon from the late 19th to early 20th century depicts Saint George's legendary triumph over the dragon, symbolizing the victory of faith over adversity. Featuring a detailed metallic oklad or riza, these pieces served as vital spiritual conduits in Eastern Orthodox worship, protecting the sacred imagery beneath while honoring the saint with precious materials.

What Is Saint George and the Dragon Icon Worth?

The typical price range for Saint George and the Dragon Icon is $250 - $300 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The ratio of silver to bronze used in the oklad and the presence of verifiable maker marks.
• The physical condition of the wooden substrate, specifically the absence of woodworm or significant warping.
• The level of detail and craftsmanship in the repoussé work depicting the saint's armor and the dragon.
• The preservation of the painted elements, such as the face and hands, which are often the most fragile parts of the icon.

How to Identify Saint George and the Dragon Icon?

• Examine the metal oklad for Greek hallmarks or silver purity stamps common in the 1880-1920 period.
• Verify the construction of the wooden panel, looking for natural aging and hand-carved characteristics consistent with Mediterranean origin.
• Check for the traditional relief style where only the face and hands of the saint are exposed through the silver or bronze cover.
• Look for specific iconographic details such as the horse's posture and the dragon's form typical of Greek Orthodox artistic traditions.

History of Saint George and the Dragon Icon

Icons hold a profound significance in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, serving as windows to the divine. This specific icon portrays Saint George, a revered military saint, in his most famous act of valor: the slaying of the dragon. This narrative symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and faith over adversity. Such icons were not merely decorative but were integral to prayer and worship, believed to facilitate a connection between the earthly and heavenly realms. The tradition of creating metallic oklads, or rizas, to cover and protect the painted icon beneath, dates back centuries. These metal covers often left only the face and hands of the saint exposed, emphasizing their spiritual presence while adorning the icon with precious materials.