An Eastern Orthodox metal relief icon depicting the Virgin and Child (Theotokos), executed in hammered and chased brass sheet mounted on a wooden panel. The icon depicts the Mother of God in the classic Kazan iconographic type, with her head inclined toward the Christ Child, who stands in an upright posture of blessing. The relief is worked with expressive, stylized linear details defining the drapery of the garments, the halos, and the surrounding foliate border.

The metal surface displays a rich, aged patina with areas of golden brass tones contrasting with darker oxidation and traces of verdigris in the recessed areas. The sheet is secured to the wooden backing with small metal tacks along the perimeter.

Historical & Style Details

• Subject / Sitter / Source: The Virgin Mary and Christ Child (Kazan Mother of God iconography)
• Material / Technique: Repoussé and chased brass sheet, mounted on wood

-Sourced in France

• Materials: Brass, wood, metal tacks
• Markings: None visible
• Condition: Wear consistent with age, including surface scratches, minor dents, tarnish, and verdigris oxidation in the recesses; reverse wood panel is a later backing with a modern hanger attached.

History

Metal relief icons and metal icon covers (riza or oklad) have a long tradition in Eastern Christian art, particularly within Russian, Greek, and Balkan Orthodox communities. While traditionally used to protect painted icons, fully metal relief icons became popular devotional objects in their own right during the 19th and 20th centuries, valued for their durability and tactile quality.