Byzantine-Style Icon – Virgin Mary of Sorrows – Hand-Painted with 950 Silver Relief – Late 20th Century (c. 1980s) Description Byzantine-style icon depicting the Virgin Mary of Sorrows, mounted on a wooden panel and dating from the late 1980s. As clearly visible in the image, the face is hand-painted, while the garments, halo, and background are executed in a finely worked relief cover of solid 950 silver, using repoussé and engraved techniques. The Virgin is shown with a gentle, sorrowful, and contemplative expression, her head inclined in the traditional Orthodox manner, conveying humility and compassion. Iconographic & Visual Details Subject: Virgin Mary of Sorrows Style: Byzantine / Orthodox Technique: Hand-painted icon with repoussé silver relief Silver: Solid 950 silver (cover and relief work) Support: Wooden frame and panel Background & Border: Richly decorated silver background with vine and floral motifs Halo: Silver halo integrated into the relief Inscriptions & Symbols Greek inscriptions: ΜΡ ΘΥ, abbreviations of Μήτηρ Θεοῦ (“Mother of God”), clearly visible and typical of Orthodox Marian icons Symbolism: The three stars on the Virgin’s garments (two on the shoulders and one on the forehead) symbolize her perpetual virginity—before, during, and after the birth of Christ Condition Very good condition Silver relief well preserved with light, natural patina Painted face clean and intact Wooden frame stable and sound Collectability A fine devotional and decorative icon, ideal for collectors of Orthodox religious art, Byzantine-style icons, and silver-mounted devotional objects of the late 20th century.