The Virgin Hodegetria with the Christ Child
Relief icon plaque mounted in a decorative frame • Anonymous workshop or artisan, Greek, Russian, or Eastern European traditional iconographic style
Style & Movement
Byzantine Revival / Eastern Christian Sacred Art
Medium & Technique
Repoussé and chased metal (likely brass, bronze, or copper alloy with patination), possibly combined with enamel or painted facial details on wood or metal support
Creation Period
20th Century (likely mid-to-late 20th century decorative reproduction of a traditional Byzantine icon)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated approximately 14 x 18 inches (35 x 45 cm) including frame, rectangular vertical format
Subject Description
Depicts the Virgin Mary (Theotokos) holding the Christ Child in the Hodegetria iconographic type, where Mary points to Jesus as the source of salvation. Elaborate chased halos, stylized drapery folds, and traditional Greek abbreviations for Mother of God (MP OY) and Jesus Christ (IC XC) are visible in the upper corners.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition. Appears stable with typical minor surface dust and natural aging of the metal patina.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a devotional object or decorative souvenir from an ecclesiastical shop, monastery, or antique dealer in Eastern Europe or Greece, later passed into private residential collection.
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the enduring cultural and religious significance of Byzantine iconographic traditions and the modern commercial production of traditional religious metalwork for home devotion.
Notable Features
Intricate textural background pattern contrasting with the smoother, painted or highlighted facial features of the figures, housed in a matching ornate silver-finish acanthus leaf molded frame.
Condition Issues
Minor surface tarnish, potential dust accumulation in crevices of the repoussé work, and light wear to the silver-painted decorative wooden frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Dust gently with a soft, dry microfiber brush. Avoid liquid cleaning agents to preserve the original patination. Maintain stable indoor humidity and keep out of direct sunlight.