Estimation Religious icons

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Religious icons

Do you own any religious icons? Are you curious to know what they are worth? Our Experts can provide an appraisal to give you an estimate of the market price, then help you to ensure the best possible price should you decide to sell.

Where do you find religious icons?

Icons are a part of religious painting. This is a very old art form, which was very successful in the Eastern Roman Empire until the iconoclasm that started in the 6th century. The oldest panels were destroyed during this event. Today, the icon continues to be used during the liturgy, especially in the Orthodox religion (they are considered holy). The icon can be found in places of worship as well as in private homes.

The icon technique

The wooden panel is characteristic of the icon (some are made of copper). Before painting the surface, the medium needs to be prepared with some kind of plaster. The painting technique used is often tempera, meaning the artist uses egg as a binder for their colour pigments. But we also find the encaustic technique using beeswax as a binder.

Depicted subjects

Icons represent either portraits or events related to Christ. The recurring subjects are Christ, Mary and the Apostles. These images are deliberately distanced from reality. A golden background is very often used, in fact, the artist does not aim to show the real world, but rather to achieve a sort of transfiguration. There are no shadows, and the panels are very bright. The iconography will evolve according to places and styles.

Selling prices of religious icons

Icons are quite frequently found on the market. Their prices can range from a hundred euros to several thousand euros. The value is determined according to several criteria such as the size, state of preservation and origin. In 2012, a 19th century Russian icon representing the Tikhvin Virgin covered with a gilt oklad sold for 42,500 euros.

How do we appraise your religious icons?

Requesting an online valuation of your religious object is simple. You just need to complete our appraisal form with a brief description and some photos. This information will be sent directly to one of our religious icons experts who will provide you with a price range and sales advice.

A team of experts and auctioneers

If you own religious icons, use our online form for an appraisal.

You will then be contacted by a member of our team of experts and auctioneers to give you an independent opinion of the market price. Should you wish to sell your painting, our specialists will also advise you on the various options available for selling at the best price.

Get an online appraisal >