{"product_id":"antique-19th-century-greek-orthodox-icon-theotokos-mother-of-god-with-christ-child-950-silver-repousse-riza-carved-baroque-wood-frame-15-h","title":"Antique 19th Century Greek Orthodox Icon — Theotokos (Mother of God) with Christ Child, 950 Silver Repoussé Riza, Carved Baroque Wood Frame, 15¾\" H","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA rare and important 19th-century Greek Orthodox icon of exceptional scale and quality, depicting the Theotokos (Mother of God) with the Christ Child — one of the most sacred subjects in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAt nearly 16 inches tall with a hallmarked 950 silver riza and a deeply carved Baroque hardwood surround, this is a piece of genuine museum presence — significantly larger and more elaborate than the typical devotional icon encountered on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTHE SILVER RIZA\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe oklad (riza) is hallmarked 950 — among the highest silver grades, exceeding standard sterling (925) — confirmed by the stamp visible on the face of the silver. Executed in repoussé technique, the riza is worked with dense scrolling acanthus leaves, floral bouquets, a rope-twist border, and a concentric oval frame for the painted faces. The silver has developed a rich natural patina consistent with 19th-century age and has not been cleaned, preserving full authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTHE ICON\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe faces of the Virgin and Christ Child are hand-painted in the Byzantine manner. The traditional Greek inscriptions \"ΜΡ ΘΥ\" (Meter Theou — Mother of God) 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTHE FRAME\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe carved hardwood surround is exceptional. A deeply worked Baroque cartouche with a shell-and-scroll crown, projecting acanthus wing elements, and scalloped lower register — this level of carved frame is associated with church iconostases and chapel altars rather than domestic use. It strongly suggests this icon served a significant liturgical function in its original context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e— 950 silver repoussé riza, hallmarked (stamp visible in photos)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e— Hand-painted faces: Virgin Mary and Christ Child in the Byzantine manner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e— Greek inscriptions: ΜΡ ΘΥ (Meter Theou — Mother of God)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e— Deeply carved Baroque hardwood frame: shell crown, acanthus surround, scalloped base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e— Original hanging hardware to verso\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e— Back label: \"19th Century 950 Silver Greek Icon\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e— Greek Orthodox, late 19th century, circa 1850–1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e— Country of origin: Greece\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDIMENSIONS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOverall (wood frame): 15¾\" H × 11⅛\" W × ¾\" D\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGood antique condition consistent with age and use. Silver riza with rich natural patina — unpolished and unrestored. Wood frame has losses and edge wear consistent with age and ecclesiastical use. Painted faces intact and clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eShips fully insured via specialty carrier. Local Boston-area pickup welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Legacy Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52037505319192,"sku":null,"price":2419.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0944\/5244\/9560\/files\/70389499_010820260753-removebg-preview.png?v=1778188063","url":"https:\/\/legacyfindboston.com\/products\/antique-19th-century-greek-orthodox-icon-theotokos-mother-of-god-with-christ-child-950-silver-repousse-riza-carved-baroque-wood-frame-15-h","provider":"Legacy Finds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}