20th Century Russian Hand-Painted Icon with Bulgarian Inscription. Painted on wood panel, titled "Maria with Child." Writing on back in Bulgarian beneath the hanging rope, roughly translates to: "Icon was presented to Peter's priest in Sofia for blessing and health. February 20 from Silva V. Botusharova, a nun." 

Size: 11 x 9 1/4 x 1 in. 

An icon, originating from the Ancient Greek word for “image,” is a sacred work of art prominent in Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic religions depicting figures such as Jesus, Mary, saints, and angels. While traditionally painted in egg tempera on wood panels, these devotional works are also rendered across various media, including stone carving, metal casting, mosaic, and cloth embroidery. Modern scholars trace surviving Christian icons back to the 3rd century, noting that their stylistic continuity solidified following the widespread destruction of the Byzantine Iconoclasm (726-842). To safeguard these paintings from ambient smoke produced by candles, oil lamps, and incense during religious services, the icon is frequently fitted with an ornate metal cover known as a “riza” or revetment. Crafted from silvered or gilt metal and often embellished with gemstones, the pierced riza protects the underlying artwork while keeping essential painted details exposed.

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