Rare Russian Orthodox Icon Silver 84 Saint Valerian Cloisonné Enamel Gilt
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Rare Russian Orthodox Icon Silver 84 Saint Valerian Cloisonné Enamel Gilt:
$50000.00
Rare Russian Orthodox Icon Silver 84 Saint Valerian Cloisonné Enamel Gilt
Icon of Saint Valerian, Martyr
Russia, late 19th – early 20th century (circa 1900s)
An exceptional Imperial Russian Orthodox icon depicting Saint Valerian the Martyr, executed with a finely crafted silver oklad bearing the 84 silver hallmark.
📐 Characteristics• Size: 17.5 × 22 cm
• Oklad Material: Silver, 84 standard (Imperial Russian silver)
• Techniques: Chasing, fine hand engraving with burin, niello work, cloisonné enamel, gilding
• Enamel: Polychrome cloisonné enamel in 7 shades (white, turquoise, light blue, dark blue, green, purple, red)
• Inscription: “Св. Мученик Валерианъ” (“Saint Valerian, Martyr”)
• Special Feature: Applied silver garments (накладные одежды), individually chased and finely hand-engraved
Saint Valerian is depicted full-length in military attire — armor, cloak, and boots — symbolizing his martyrdom and faith.
The saint holds a cross in his right hand, while his left hand is raised in a traditional Orthodox blessing gesture.
The face and hands are painted on a wooden panel with gesso ground, executed in oil. The surface displays fine, even craquelure consistent with its authentic age.
A notable feature of this icon is the applied silver garments (накладные ризы), separately crafted and mounted onto the icon, richly chased and engraved with exceptional detail — a hallmark of high-quality Imperial workshop production.
🔍 Details & HallmarksThe halo is richly decorated with elaborate cloisonné enamel in 7 colors with gilded highlights.
The background and ornamental borders feature refined hand engraving executed with burin tools.
The silver oklad bears clearly visible hallmarks:
• 84 silver standard
• Master’s mark
• Assay office marks
The silver has developed a noble, natural patina consistent with age.
🕰 DatingLate 19th – early 20th century
Imperial Russia, circa 1900
• Original painting, unrestored
• Attractive age-related craquelure
• Enamel and gilding well preserved, without significant losses
• Silver oklad intact, with rich natural patina
A rare iconographic representation of Saint Valerian, seldom encountered.
Outstanding artistic execution:
• Applied silver garments
• Fine chasing and burin engraving
• Polychrome cloisonné enamel (7 colors)
• Gilded details
A museum-level Imperial Russian icon of exceptional collectible and antique value.
Offered by Market AntikvarTM — specialists in antique Russian icons and fine collectibles.
Rare Russian Orthodox Icon Silver 84 Saint Valerian Cloisonné Enamel Gilt:
$50000.00
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