Theotokos Icon Appraisal

Relief Plaque Icon of Theotokos and Child

This appears to be a relief plaque depicting the Virgin Mary and Child, reminiscent of an Orthodox Christian icon. The central figures of Mary and Jesus are rendered in a light, almost ivory or bone-colored material, likely resin or a molded plastic, giving them a three-dimensional effect. The background behind the figures is a darker, brownish-red color, providing contrast. The entire piece is framed by an ornate, silvery-grey border, possibly made to mimic pewter, bronze, or distressed silver. This border has irregular, textured surfaces, suggesting a rustic or aged aesthetic. Jesus is depicted holding something in his left hand, possibly a scroll or orb, and Mary's hands are clasped around him. Both figures wear crowns, indicating their spiritual regality. Two winged angels are visible in the upper corners, each holding a symbolic object – one appears to be holding a cross. There are indistinct Greek characters above Mary's head and perhaps on the right side, typical of Orthodox iconography. The craftsmanship appears to be a cast or molded piece, rather than hand-carved, given the uniformity and potentially replicated details. The overall condition shows some visible signs of wear, particularly on the silver-grey frame, which has areas of discoloration and what looks like surface corrosion or patina, especially on the lower part, visible in the bottom right crop. There's a price tag visible on the bottom left, indicating it might have been purchased second-hand, also showing some wear. The piece exhibits common characteristics of religious decorative items produced in the late 20th century or early 21st century, often mass-produced to emulate older, more traditional religious art styles. The quality suggests it is a decorative item rather than a fine art piece, but it is well-detailed for its type.