19th C. Greek Orthodox Icon, Theotokos With Christ Child — Hallmarked 950 Silver Repoussé Riza & Carved Baroque Frame, 15¾" H

Details

Description

An extraordinary 19th-century Greek Orthodox icon of museum presence — combining a hallmarked 950 silver repoussé riza of exceptional craftsmanship … Read more An extraordinary 19th-century Greek Orthodox icon of museum presence — combining a hallmarked 950 silver repoussé riza of exceptional craftsmanship with a deeply carved Baroque hardwood surround that elevates this far beyond the typical devotional icon. At nearly 16 inches tall, this is a piece of genuine scale and consequence.

THE SUBJECT
The Theotokos — "Mother of God" — is the most venerated subject in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The traditional Greek inscriptions "ΜΡ ΘΥ" (Meter Theou) flank the Virgin's halo; Christ's monogram appears to the right. The Virgin wears a crown, identifying this as a Panagia ("All-Holy") icon — the highest form of Marian veneration in Greek Orthodoxy. The faces of the Virgin and Christ Child are hand-painted in the Byzantine manner, with the expressive, hieratic quality that defines authentic Greek iconography.

THE SILVER
The riza is hallmarked 950 — exceeding standard sterling silver (925) and among the highest grades used in Greek ecclesiastical metalwork. The stamp is clearly visible on the face of the silver and is documented in the listing photographs. Executed in repoussé by a skilled silversmith, the riza is worked with dense scrolling acanthus, rich floral bouquets, a rope-twist border, and a concentric oval frame isolating the painted faces. The silver carries a deep natural patina developed over more than a century — it has never been cleaned or polished, preserving its full age and authenticity.

THE FRAME
What truly distinguishes this icon is its carved hardwood surround — a monumental Baroque cartouche with a shell-and-scroll crown, dramatically projecting acanthus wing elements, and a scalloped lower register. This level of carved ecclesiastical framing is not associated with domestic devotional icons. It points squarely to a church iconostasis or chapel altar origin — a piece that held a place of liturgical significance in its community.

THE PROVENANCE
Acquired from a Boston-area private estate. Back label reads: "19th Century 950 Silver Greek Icon."

Origin: Greece

Period: Late 19th century, circa 1850–1900

Dimensions: 15¾" H × 11⅛" W × ¾" D (overall, wood frame)

Condition: Good antique condition. Silver riza with rich unpolished patina. Wood frame with losses and edge wear consistent with age and ecclesiastical use. Painted faces intact.

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