Saint Art Appraisal

Greek Orthodox Icon of Saint Marina the Great Martyr

This item is a small, rectangular Christian icon, approximately 4 inches by 3 inches, crafted from wood. The surface features a painted or transferred image of a female saint, likely Saint Marina or Margaret, identified by the Greek inscription 'Η ΑΓΙΑ ΜΑΡΙΝΑ' (The Holy Marina) visible in the upper right. The saint is depicted in traditional Byzantine style, standing with a halo around her head, and holding a small cross in her right hand and a staff or palm frond in her left. She is adorned in flowing robes, primarily in rich red and green hues, with gold detailing suggested on her garments. To her right, a dark, winged demonic figure is shown, often a characteristic element in depictions of Saint Marina overcoming evil. The background suggests a landscape with a faint architectural structure on the left side, possibly indicating a fortified town or monastery. The icon exhibits significant signs of age and wear. The wooden substrate shows visible grain patterns and what appears to be a protective varnish layer, now darkened and somewhat mottled with age. There are several scuffs, scratches, and areas of paint loss across the surface, particularly noticeable as white specks against the darker areas and along the edges. The top right corner shows some minor chipping to the wood or finish, and there is a crack or chip in the wood at the bottom right corner. A small metal loop or hook is affixed to the top edge for hanging. The craftsmanship suggests a folk art or devotional piece, possibly from the late 19th or early 20th century, consistent with traditional Greek Orthodox iconography, albeit likely a mass-produced or less formal rendition given the transferred image quality rather than hand-painted detail. The overall condition, including the patina and visible signs of use, speaks to its age and devotional purpose.