Russian Icon With Silver Riza. Hallmarks: Moscow, 1861, 84 Zolotniks

Splendid Russian icon depicting three saints in adoration beneath the celestial vision of the Holy Trinity, with Christ at the center and God the Father and the Holy Spirit at either side, seated on clouds surrounded by cherubim. The piece is painted in tempera on panel with a partially gilded background and protected by a finely chiseled silver oklad (riza), enriched with floral motifs and embossed radiant halos.

The border bears Moscow hallmarks and is dated 1861, with the “84” silver standard mark typical of Russian silver. The underlying icon, slightly older, likely dates to the first quarter of the 19th century.

The oklad workmanship, typical of mid-19th century Russian production, is highly refined, enhancing the sacred figures by highlighting the liturgical garments and halos with sculptural precision. As per tradition, the faces and hands of the saints are left exposed to allow viewers to perceive their original painted expression.

The Cyrillic inscriptions identify the figures: a bishop saint at the center (probably Saint Nicholas), flanked by a female martyr (on the right, likely Saint Vassa) and a young male martyr (on the left), reflecting the deep popular devotion of the Russian faithful of the period.

Very good condition of the riza; the painting underneath shows minor imperfections and small areas of consolidation, as visible in the photos.