Hi Anthony,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Byzantine Mother of God icons (also called Theotokos icons, from the Greek for “God-bearer”) are among the most important and beloved subjects in Eastern Orthodox Christian art. They hold deep spiritual, theological, and cultural significance in Russian and Byzantine history.

The Mother of God (Mary) is the most venerated saint in Orthodoxy, seen as the intercessor between humanity and Christ. Icons are not just “pictures” but considered windows to the divine—conduits for prayer, contemplation, and presence. Russian believers often turned to Mary for protection, healing, and help in times of crisis, making these icons central to private and public devotion.

This looks like it is missing the lower part of its frame. Undoubtedly from the late 19th Century, t his now has a fair-market value of $200-300

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A Byzantine painted and giltwood Theotukus "Mother of God" icon
late 19th Century
oil on cradled panel
Depicting the Mother of God and the Christ child, both with gilt halos, with frame molding to the top (lacking to the bottom)
10 inches high by 7 inches wide
CONDITION: Lacking lower framing element
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$ 200-300*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia