Orthodox icon "George the Victorious" Niello

Saint George is one of the most famous figures in Orthodox icon painting — depicted as a young warrior with a spear, his face calm and resolute at the same time. This icon transfers his likeness into 925 sterling silver: a riza work with a gilded ornamental frame, mounted on wood, crafted in Russia. A piece for the home altar, the prayer corner, or a place of honor in the living room.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, gilded, wood
• Motif: Saint George the Victorious
• Embellishment: Niello hand-engraving
• Dimensions: 161 x 131 x 25 mm
• Weight: approx. 240 g
• Origin: Russia
• Hallmark: present
• Delivery: in a gift box

Material and workmanship

The icon follows the traditional riza construction: The painted image of the saint is framed by a silver frame with gilded ornamental fields and decorated corner fittings — crown, halo, and inscriptions stand out in gold, and the frame surfaces feature a fine diamond pattern. The niello hand-engraving sets dark accents in the fine lines of the ornamentation, giving depth and contrast to the silver. The wooden backing gives the icon stability and a noticeable weight of approximately 240 grams. The 925 hallmark is present.

In the lower right, a round medallion shows the classic equestrian scene of the saint fighting the dragon — an image element that summarizes the canonical history of Saint George and has been handed down for centuries in Orthodox icon painting.

Usage and occasions

An icon like this accompanies quiet moments — morning prayer, the quiet corner in the living room, the spot next to a candle and holy water. As a gift, it is suitable for Easter, the most significant holiday in the Orthodox calendar, as well as Christmas, baptism, or name day. Saint George is revered as a patron saint in many Orthodox families, and his image is accordingly often found in homes where faith is practiced. The piece is also suitable as a gift for collectors of Orthodox silver icons.

Care

• Dust with a soft, dry cloth
• Do not use silver dip cleaner — gilding and niello engraving would be damaged
• Store in the gift box or on the wall, not in direct sunlight

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Saint George, as depicted on this icon?

Saint George the Victorious is one of the most revered figures in Orthodox tradition. The icon depicts him according to the classical canon as a young warrior with a spear, supplemented by a medallion with the traditional equestrian scene in the lower part of the image.

Is the icon intended for hanging or standing?

Both are possible. The wooden backing gives the icon stable support when standing, and it is also designed for wall hanging.

How does this icon differ from painted or printed variants?

The silver frame with gilded ornaments and niello hand-engraving is an independent metal artwork that supports the frame and the border areas of the image — a technique known in the Russian icon tradition as riza or oklad, which gives the image a durable, dignified setting.

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