Icons

Icons, special, revered pictures of Jesus, Mary, or a saint, are usually Russian or Byzantine. The small icons collected today are made of wood and tin or precious metals. Icons are also carved in stone, produced in mosaic work or prints, or embroidered on cloth. Many modern copies have been made in the old style and are being sold to tourists in Russia and Europe and at shops in the United States. Rare, old icons have sold for over $50,000. Some religious statues are also included here. For more information, explore our identification guides for metal, prints, and textiles.