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Orthodox Virgin Mary and Child Relief Plaque

Vintage metal relief plaque depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ Child in Orthodox style, with religious monograms

Estimated value

$40 - $120

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Era

Late 19th - Mid 20th Century

Origin

🌍 International

Authenticity

High(75%)
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ORTHODOX VIRGIN MARY AND CHILD RELIEF PLAQUE: IDENTIFICATION

This appears to be a small, cast metal relief plaque depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, rendered in a style reminiscent of Orthodox iconography. The composition features the traditional 'Mother of God of the Passion' or 'Our Lady of Perpetual Help' iconography, characterized by the presence of angels holding instruments of the Passion and the Greek monograms 'MP ΘY' (Mater Theou - Mother of God) and 'IC XC' (Iesous Christos - Jesus Christ) which are visible, albeit partially. The form is irregular, suggesting a cast piece with an intentional rustic or antique finish, designed to evoke the appearance of an early icon or a pilgrimage souvenir.

Compare with other religious objects in the archive: Mid-20th Century Lithographic Print of Saint Joseph and the Christ Child, Russian Orthodox Feast Day Icon with Passion Cycle.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Byzantine/Eastern Orthodox ChristianityMedieval to Modern

The iconography directly derives from the Byzantine tradition, particularly the 'Mother of God of the Passion' or 'Our Lady of Perpetual Help', which has been widely venerated and reproduced across Orthodox lands.

Western Catholicism19th-20th Century

While distinctly Orthodox in style, the 'Our Lady of Perpetual Help' icon became extremely popular in the West, particularly after its entrustment to the Redemptorists by Pope Pius IX in 1866, leading to similar devotional objects.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Objects of personal prayer and veneration in Orthodox Christian homes.
  • •Souvenirs acquired during pilgrimages to holy sites or monasteries.
  • •Gifts commemorating religious milestones such as baptisms or confirmations.

Meaning Through Time

Early Christianity/Byzantium

Icons were seen as 'windows to heaven,' sacred images through which the faithful could connect with the divine, not merely artworks.

19th-20th Century

With advancements in metal casting and printing, devotional objects like this plaque became more widely accessible, shifting from unique, hand-painted works to mass-produced items, yet retaining their spiritual significance for believers.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 2 religious items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Relatively common devotional object type, not typically subject to high-level forgery.
  • Wear and patination appear consistent with intended antique finish rather than deceptive aging.
  • Absence of high-value materials that would incentivize sophisticated counterfeiting.
How does authenticity detection work?

RELIGIOUS ART SCHOLAR'S TAKE

Sacred Art & Material Culture Specialist

Religious Art Expert

Confidence is high due to the clear iconographic elements and visible monograms, allowing for secure identification of the subject and religious tradition. The material and style strongly suggest an era of mass-produced devotional objects, though precise dating and origin without maker's marks remain an estimate.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Iconography of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child consistent with 'Mother of God of the Passion' type.
  • 2Visible Greek monograms ('MP ΘY', 'IC XC') are hallmarks of Eastern Orthodox iconography.
  • 3The irregular, textured border and oxidized finish suggest a cast metal plaque mimicking older, revered forms.
  • 4Style points to production in the late 19th or 20th century, catering to popular devotion.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The exact metal composition is not verifiable from images, which can affect valuation for some collectors.
  • •Lack of a clear maker mark or country of origin makes specific attribution challenging.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Examine the reverse side for any maker's marks, inscriptions, or hallmarks.
  • →Perform a non-invasive metal test to confirm the alloy, if this is of concern for valuation.
  • →Compare iconography with known examples of 'Mother of God of the Passion' icons to identify any specific school or prototype.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The plaque appears to be in good overall condition, exhibiting intentional antiquing and patination rather than significant wear or damage. Some areas of higher relief show natural rubbing, exposing brighter metal beneath the darker patina, which is consistent with handling and age. No significant breaks or repairs are immediately visible.

SACRED ART VALUATION

$40 - $120

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

RA

ralphandhelen
Wonderseeker•5 items

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