Our Lady of Kazan (The Kazan Mother of God)
Religious Icon; Mixed media panel with metallic cover (riza or oklad) • Russian Imperial School; possibly a workshop in Moscow or St. Petersburg specializing in ecclesiastical metalwork (such as the Khlebnikov or Ovchinnikov workshops, though lack of visible hallmarks prevents definitive attribution).
Style & Movement
Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Art; Late Tsarist Neo-Byzantine style.
Medium & Technique
Egg tempera on wood panel, overlaid with a silver-gilt or silver-plated riza featuring cloisonné enamel borders and elaborate seed pearl or beadwork embroidery (shitye) on the garments.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century (circa 1880-1910)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 25 cm (estimated from visual context); Portrait orientation within a square-aligned frame.
Subject Description
A classic iconography of the Kazan Mother of God, where the Virgin Mary is depicted bust-length with the infant Christ standing to her left. The figures are partially obscured by a decorative metal cover (oklad), meant to protect and honor the holy image. Symbols of purity are represented by the floral enamel work and the use of white pearls for the vestments.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; the enamel appears largely intact, and the pearl embroidery remains well-defined. Visible dust accumulation under the glass and some slight oxidation of the metal.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 – $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,200 – $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired in a private collection or passed through an estate; the presence of a modern black frame suggests it was re-housed in the mid-to-late 20th century for domestic display.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the decorative opulence in Russian icons before the 1917 Revolution. The Kazan Virgin is one of the most venerated images in Russia, and the high-quality enamel work indicates a piece commissioned for a person of middle-to-upper social standing.
Notable Features
Exquisite cloisonné enamel floral motifs in the border; rare extensive pearl-work (shitye) covering the vestments, which adds significant sculptural texture and value compared to standard flat metal rizas.
Condition Issues
Possible minor loose beads/pearls; light surface tarnish on silver elements; internal dust; modern frame is non-period and may not provide an archival seal.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning of the glass; stabilization of any loose seed pearls; ensure the wood panel behind the metal is not suffering from desiccation; use of UV-filtering glass.