Icon Of The Holy Martyr Paraskeva With Silver Riza, Balkans, 17th–18th Century

remarkable Balkan icon of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva, with an 18th-century silver riza.

The underlying icon is painted in tempera on wood and is likely to date from the 17th century. Saint Paraskeva is shown frontally, holding a cross as a symbol of her martyrdom. She is flanked above by two angels bearing crowns of glory. The image preserves the expressive intensity of post-Byzantine Balkan icon painting, with strong facial modelling, elongated forms and a solemn spiritual presence.

The icon is covered with a finely worked silver riza, executed in repoussé and chased technique. The riza is richly decorated with Baroque-style ornament, including scrolling acanthus leaves, floral corners, clouds, cartouches and two angels surrounding the saint. The silver cover frames the painted face and hands, emphasizing the sacred image while protecting the original painted surface beneath.

Saint Paraskeva, also known as Paraskevi, is widely venerated in the Orthodox Christian tradition, especially in the Balkans. She is associated with piety, steadfast faith and miraculous intercession. Icons of Saint Paraskeva were particularly revered in domestic, monastic and parish settings.

Inscriptions:
The silver cartouches identify the saint as Saint Paraskeva.

Material:
Icon: tempera on wood.
Riza: silver, repoussé and chased.

Origin:
Balkans.

Period:
Icon: 17th century.
Riza: 18th century.

Dimensions:
32 × 27 × 4.5 cm.

Weight:
Riza weight: 860 g.

Condition:
Age-related wear, oxidation and patina to the silver riza, traces of use, surface rubbing, losses and restoration to the painted icon. The wooden panel shows age cracks and structural wear. Condition is shown in the photographs.