Have you found an icon and don’t know how to determine the age of the icon yourself? Buying antique icons, evaluating icons online based on photos

How to determine the age of an icon: a short educational program from experts

You can find out the approximate cost and age of antique church utensils yourself by paying attention to a number of criteria:

1. The period of creation of the icon. It must be taken into account when determining value. Thus, utensils from the 19th and early 20th centuries have been preserved in large quantities, so they are valued less than the rarer versions of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.
2. Product material. Icon painters used wood or tin as a base. Owners can determine the age of the icon from the board, since such a base very “eloquently” tells about the period and place of writing:

• In Rus' and Russia the most common wood was linden, but in the northern regions spruce, cedar, pine and larch were used.
• From the traces of the tools used to process the wooden base, you can find out the age of the product. An ax, a scraper, and a plane were used for processing. It is important to evaluate the front side if it has exposed areas, as the back side may have been further processed at a later date. A small example: boards for products from the 11th-12th centuries were hewn out with an ax and then processed along the grain with a stapler.
• The age and approximate cost of the icon can also be determined by the dowels - slats with which the boards were fastened at the end and back. Thus, in products of the 11th-12th centuries, these elements were fastened with forged nails or wooden spikes. In later periods, mortise keys were already used.

1. Setting: using this criterion, you can also determine the age of the icon and its value. The utensils may have a frame made of brass or silver. Its value varies depending on thickness, level of detail and condition. Options with a silver frame and especially with enameled parts have a higher price. Note that thin silver foil frames increase the cost of the utensils slightly.

Determining the age of an ancient icon requires a professional approach

To determine the age and value of an icon, many specific criteria must be taken into account. Not only the technical aspects and attributes listed above are important, but also the artistic features. Masters of different centuries, schools, and styles differed in their different paint application techniques and manner of depicting saints.

A person far from art history and icon painting will not be able to independently determine how old an antique is. Only professionals who have been working in this field for many years will help you do this. One of these expert companies is “House of Antiques” in Moscow. By contacting its specialists, you can determine the period of creation, the cost of the product online and get advice on a quick and profitable sale.

Among the treasures antiques There are those whose value is not limited to artistic merit and is not only in the material sphere. Of course it's an antique antique icon.

At the end of the 19th century, numerous collections, including icons, were formed in Russia. The most famous of them are the collections of A.V. Morozova, I.S. Ostroukhov, in which the icons were no longer collected as monuments of antiquity, but as works of art. At the end of his life, the famous P.M. began collecting icons. Tretyakov.

The subjects of ancient Russian icon painting are extremely diverse. However, experts divide them into two large groups:

1. “Portrait” icon: depicting individual saints, angels, the Mother of God or the Lord Himself.
2. “Story” or “Festive” icon: telling about a particular event of Sacred history.

“Portrait” icons, in turn, are divided according to the method of depicting the figure into:

1. the main ones - when only the face is depicted on the icon (the “Savior Not Made by Hands” icon);
2. shoulder-length - the figure is depicted up to the shoulders (“Angel of Golden Hair”, 12th century icon);
3. waist - the figure is depicted from the waist up;
4. life-size - the figure is depicted in full height; it can be a single figure or several figures;
5. hagiographic icon - the figure is depicted surrounded by marks (small rectangles along the edge of the icon), which show the main events from the life of the saint.

A classification of icons can be made according to various criteria. Most often you can find the division of icons by meaning: wedding, personal, holiday, family or measured. A family image is an image painted by a master to order and depicting all the saints who patronize the members of a given family. In Orthodoxy they are called “name-name saints.” And the more people there are in the family, the greater the number of saints you can see on the icon. Moreover, it may depict the guardian angels of grandmothers and grandfathers who are no longer alive.

The value of an icon depends on its age. Let us note the fact that not all painted icons are valuable, especially if it is an icon of the 20th century. Soviet era icons will have value after some time. It is worth noting that if the icon depicts a special religious event, and even the author is a famous icon painter, then the value also increases. Icons are highly valued according to schools of writing (for example, Stroganov writing is quite rare). The plot may be non-standard and with small pictures around the edges (with stamps).

Artistic quality and confession - official Orthodoxy or Old Believers - are of great importance. Moreover, if the icon is painted by hand and not industrially, it always has a significant monetary value.

The most expensive are museum-level icons, from the 15th century and older, usually church icons, large in size, often with detailed and rare subjects, from old icon painting schools: Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Tver, Moscow, etc. The most famous miraculous icons, such as the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir from the Byzantine letter of the 12th century, the icons of Andrei Rublev (“Trinity”, “Zvenigorod Rite”), could cost several tens or even more than 100 million dollars.

Icons found on the private transactions market and auctions are most often objects from the 16th century and earlier. They can have very different values ​​and cost from 20-30-50 thousand rubles (for destroyed, ruined icons or icons with total late recordings/renewals) to 300-500 thousand dollars for icons in good condition, famous icon painting schools (Stroganov, Moscow etc.) and masters (signed) of a detailed plot. At the same time, cursive northern icons of the same time do not have such value and even in good condition can cost 300-400 thousand rubles.

If we talk about less ancient icons from the 18th and 19th centuries (and they differ little in price, since quite a lot of them have survived), good writing and well-known late icon-painting schools, then the prices can be different (from several thousand to several tens thousand dollars maximum). The evaluation criteria are similar to the criteria for choosing classical painting:

• the skill of writing, its complexity and sophistication;
• time of creation (century). Most of the icons available on the market date back to the 19th - early 20th centuries, or at best to the 18th century. Icons from the 17th century are found, but not nearly as often; icons from the 16th century are already rare, and outstanding examples can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars;
• school / workshop / authorship. It is important to establish affiliation with one or another late icon-painting school or tradition, the presence of a date, signature, and place of writing. There are cities and regions famous for their masters and icon painting traditions: Mstera, Palekh, Kholuy, Nevyansk, Yaroslavl, Romanov, Kostroma, Vologda, Suzdal, Tver, Syzran, etc. Often such icons are highly distinguished by their craftsmanship and are prized by collectors;
• condition: intact and complete. Good preservation and the absence of restoration interventions, especially on the personal letter, significantly increase the value of the icon. The same applies to completeness: the presence of the original precious frame (and, to a much lesser extent, the icon case) significantly increases the price of the icon compared to a disassembled one of the same level;
• quality and material of the base (board) and its condition;
• the material of the salary and the complexity of its development. What matters is the presence of the original frame (especially made of precious metal: silver or gold), the presence of enamel, filigree, graining, blackening, etc. on the frame, and the quality of their workmanship;
• size;
• rarity of the plot;
• history of existence (provenance). High-level icons sometimes have dedicatory inscriptions or blessings from famous people or dedicated to famous people.

The age of the icon is, of course, important, but only if it is of high quality writing and in good condition.

Signature icons of Mstera from the early twentieth century by masters Guryanov, Chirikov and others cost in the range of 30-200 thousand dollars. At the same time, cursive Vladimir “red rubles” of the same time cost from 1 to 5 thousand rubles. Icons from famous icon-painting workshops (Moscow, Nevyansk, Syzran, Yaroslavl, St. Petersburg, Palekh, Mstera), especially signed ones, are much more expensive than icons painted somewhere in central Russia or Siberia.

In most cases, other things being equal, a well-restored icon will cost more than an unrestored icon with significant losses.

The plot plays a big role. A more laconic image of the Pantocrator, the Mother of God, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, or an icon of the namesake saint is preferable to complex multi-figure compositions. Recently, there has been great interest in Athonite and Greek icons, since this fall the 1000th anniversary of the Russian presence on Mount Athos will be celebrated.

In connection with the next crisis that has overtaken Russia, the following picture is observed: the most expensive and sought-after icons by collectors (from 20-30 thousand dollars and above) have fallen in price, if at all, then very slightly. Icons in the middle price segment (from 100-150 thousand rubles to 20 thousand dollars) dropped in price (in dollars) by 30-50%, inexpensive icons (up to 100 thousand rubles) fell in price by 50-60%. Based on this, it is quite possible to draw conclusions about the investment attractiveness of icons in a particular price range. I think that this picture will continue in the next two years, and then, perhaps, a recovery to pre-crisis levels will begin.

On this page we answer questions on the topic: how much can an ancient icon from the 18th or 19th century cost? How much is it possible to sell an image or icon in Moscow, which icons are expensive, valued and may be of the greatest interest to collectors and antique dealers, what aspects are assessed and how quickly you can find out the price of an icon without leaving your office or home. How an icon is purchased and then payment is made. You will be able to ask your own question regarding the evaluation of the icon and receive a complete answer by almost immediately contacting us via Viber, WhatsApp or by mail [email protected]

Ancient icon, evaluation criteria

• age of the ancient icon;
• source, writer, school;
• the presence of samples, stamps, marks, dates;
• used in paint production
• materials used (including expensive ones);
• condition of the icon (possibility of restoration - yes/no);
• completeness (salary present/not);
• size and base of the icon;

Analysis of the market and artistic value of the icon. What is the difference?

It is necessary to realize: analysis of artistic or historical value and market valuation of ancient icons are completely different types of valuation.

Assessing the value of an ancient icon assumes that the specialist has professional knowledge not only in the field of art, but also understands the market price, which is determined on the basis of supply and demand. The assessment of an icon by a professional - what kind of antique dealer it is - will become real.

ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF AN ANCIENT ICON ONLINE BY PHOTOGRAPHY

There are several alternatives:

• 1. You can easily find out how much an icon costs. By calling us at the telephone number indicated on the website, in the “contacts” section. Based on the verbal description, the specialist will try to understand what the conversation is about and can give an approximate, indicative assessment. If in an oral conversation these two parties decided that cooperation is interesting, then we ask you to send a photograph of the ancient icon by email. mail [email protected] , or using one of the mobile applications that are installed on the number 8-985-769-74-09 (whatsapp , Viber ) for the most accurate assessment of the icon.

• 2. Send a photo of the icon by email [email protected], not forgetting to indicate your phone number for feedback.

• 3. Use the green, round “Call Back” button located on the right side at the bottom of the screen. By clicking on it, a window appears in which you record your phone number, after which the connection occurs almost immediately. It's completely free for you! A specialist is ready to take your calls during business hours.

The icons are appraised by the seller. It takes from five minutes to one hour. The valuation of ancient icons that have significant historical and artistic value can sometimes be extended over time to possibly increase its price.

IF YOU LIVE FAR FROM MOSCOW (IN THE MOSCOW REGION)

If you live far from Moscow, near or far in the Moscow region, and do not want to spend time traveling to the center of Moscow, but at the same time have a strong desire to sell an ancient icon or image, at a price, in antique, collectible stores in Moscow, contact or call our manager. The appraiser will come, arrive and meet at a time and place suitable for you absolutely free of charge. This recommendation is actually for owners of old, expensive icons.

COST OF ICONS OF THE 18th - 19th CENTURIES

The antique and market price of ancient icons depends on dozens/hundreds of aspects, and asking questions: “how much does an old icon of the 19th century cost” or “how much can you sell an icon for in Moscow” is absolutely useless. In short, the cost significantly depends on the name of the master, technical implementation and the materials and paints used. It is already possible to clarify a lot from the photo. We can indicate the approximate price of our interest. However, placing your hand on your heart, a clear assessment can be made only by picking up the icon and carefully examining it.

HOW TO PROFITABLE SELL AN ICON

Directly to the collector? Just where to find it. In general, they are by nature a very suspicious people and prefer to fill their own collections only in trusted places and with people with a reputation.
Accordingly, you are not their customer. An individual who wants to decorate his own living space with an attribute of spirituality? However, without being an expert, who exactly agrees to determine the high cost of acquisition? Without wasting time, avoiding small resellers from bulletin boards, you can head to an antique salon that specializes in consignment trading in icons.

FEE AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF OPERATIONS

Payment can be made in cash or, at the request of the client, by transfer of money to his plastic or bank card. Payment of the entire required amount for an ancient icon of the 18th - 19th centuries is executed instantly after the agreement of the two parties on the mutually beneficial acquisition of the object of the transaction. The agreement is accepted after a visual inspection and assessment of the ancient icon at the meeting place between our agent and the client.

We invite you to briefly familiarize yourself with which ancient icons constitute material value, and which only spiritual. It is practically impossible to boldly say that the cost of an icon is not high or, on the contrary, that the price is too expensive. Since this is more a matter of collectors and perception.

But there are factors that critically influence the price of an ancient icon:

Size. It’s simple, when comparing two icons that are as similar as possible (age of writing, school of writing, condition, material), then the smaller the icon, the cheaper the icon when sold.

Material. Nowadays, they are quite common: icons on wood, icons on metal, icons on wood but with a metal frame, icons on canvas, icons made of clay (ivory and other similar materials). Which icons will be more expensive when sold:

Icons on wood

These are the most popular icons. Icons can be painted in oil or special paints. The greatest masters (Rublev, Semenov, etc.) painted just such icons. But at the same time, there are still unknown masters (they are often called village ones); the work of such masters, as a rule, is not expensive. But selling an icon on wood by a famous master is very easy and simple.

Icons on metal

The most widespread period of production of such icons was in the 19th (XIX) century. The main task was to provide people with beautiful icons with an expensive subject, but at a low cost. This type of icon is considered not expensive, but in demand. The antique house is engaged in buying old icons on metal.

Icons on canvas

An ancient icon painted on canvas stands at the origins of icon painting; only later did they begin to paint icons on processed wooden tablets. On the canvas you can find paintings of such images as the Mother of God, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Holidays and many others. Unfortunately, now icons on canvas are valued less and less and are not popular among collectors, but they are WORTH MONEY and can be sold to our antique salon.

Icons made of clay (ivory and other similar materials)

Rare icons are found very rarely and are practically not popular, unless they are the work of a famous master.

Even while visiting the Art School, in the first grades of elementary school, I learned the lesson and remembered who Vrubel was. Even then I had this association with the ruble.

Personally, I do not have an icon of this kind, but I would like to have such a work of art, although I believe that, in addition to desire, one must also have both the grounds and the right to dispose of an icon that was once the subject of completely different people. And it is not known how people from the other world will react, but maybe they will say: This is mine....

But we can talk about this separately, but as an artist, I can say that the value of an icon in monetary terms depends on the century (antiquity), and the older it is, the more expensive it is. Also, the cost depends on the author. If the work is by famous artists and brushes, then the price is higher, and if it is by unknown artists, then it is cheaper.

The cost also depends on the quality of the painting, if it is the work of unknown masters, but simply a standard execution in a workshop, for mass sale.

There are priceless icons that are historical heritage and property of the state.

In any case, you are right, in addition to the spiritual value, the cost of all icons is different. I personally knew a man who donated a helicopter of icons to the temple. This is how valuable an icon can be, I still remember this story, although a terrible number of years have passed.

We must immediately warn people who are not knowledgeable in these matters that there are icons for which you can receive a real punishment in accordance with the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, since they are antiques and are subject to certain articles. In other words, as I understand it, not every icon can be owned, and why, I honestly didn’t go into details, since I don’t have them, and I think that it won’t be for a long time, and there’s no point in it.

So let’s remember, if the icon is ancient and very old, if the artist is famous, if it’s in gold and stones, then it’s very expensive, in other cases it all depends on the situation.

There are special evaluation catalogs, both in numismatics and in philately, which indicate prices for all known works of art, including icons.

But if the icon does not belong to such collectible things, that is, it is a creation simply for the soul, of some master, and does not represent any value in terms of money, but only represents spiritual value for the owner, then there is no talk about these icons, since we answer the question about the masterpieces being assessed.



Of course, for a believer, any icon is valuable, since it is a shrine. But as for the material side, not all icons cost the same. One icon can cost 300 rubles, and another 30 thousand rubles. It depends first of all how old the icon is. The older the icon, the more expensive it will be valued. Next, the determining factor in price is the author of the icon; it is clear that famous icon painters will cost many times more. The next criterion is the material used to paint and decorate the icon.

One thing I can say for sure is that you cannot determine the cost of an icon on your own, you need a knowledgeable person, so you need to turn to people who deal with antiques.

It is convenient to evaluate such things on specialized forums. In my opinion, the best one is the forum from the Violity website.

The value of an icon depends on:

1. Age.
2. The material from which it is made.

I saw an icon at auction for 187,000 hryvnia (about 510 thousand rubles). It was a work from the 18th century and it was made of silver (2.5 kg):



Of course, not all icons are of particular value, except perhaps for believers. You especially shouldn’t hope that an icon is valuable if it was painted relatively recently. For example, icons painted in Soviet times will acquire real value only after a few more decades. One rule works: the older the icon, the more expensive it is.

To begin with, you can take a good look at the icon to find out the plot, the special religious event depicted, as well as the name of the icon painter. If the icon painter is famous, the value automatically increases. The original manner of execution of this icon and the talent of the artist play an important role. There are different schools of writing icons - the rarer the school (for example, Stroganov writing is quite rare).

Of course, confession also plays a big role - Old Believer or official Orthodox, as well as artistic quality. Especially, of course, if the icon is made by hand and is not an industrial product.

It is also possible to contact specialists who can more accurately determine the age of the icon even by the type of board on the inside of the icon. But most often an icon is judged by its composition, color, quality of design, and freshness of the idea. If there is such a possibility, then it is better to consult with different antique dealers, and it is better if they already have extensive work experience - so that the assessment is more accurate.

It is not worthwhile to judge the value of icons from photographs, because it is impossible to tell the exact price. It is also better not to contact acquaintances or friends who do not understand this topic, otherwise it may turn out that you will give away a large rarity for next to nothing - and then there will be difficulties in relationships with friends. It is not worth sending the painting for restoration to centers that are little known - there is a risk of receiving your icon back in a damaged state. In general, if you have serious reasons to think that the icon is actually of considerable value, it is better not to save too much time and money on restoration and expert evaluation)))

The value of an icon as an antique can be assessed by a person who is engaged in buying and selling antiques. For example, if you are interested in the price of an icon that you have, you can go to an antique store with the icon or at least a photograph, pay a few rubles for an appraisal, and the person will tell you the approximate cost, and may even take it on commission, or buy from you an icon (although they give very little for them if they buy them, since they take the risk of sales). You can also look at the approximate cost in online auctions, or even put it up for auction. The cost of a painting mainly depends on the age of the painting, on the master who painted it, on the state of preservation of the icon, on the material from which the icon is made (canvas, wood, what it was painted with). For example, I would not be able to evaluate a painting, since this requires special professional skills; for me, anything older than 50 years looks like a work of art, and I will not give it a real price.

The value of an icon can be assessed in material rubles in two ways. Non-experts only look at the cost of the icon board. That is, if a board from an icon is 200 years old, then that is its price. An icon specialist perfectly understands the values ​​of an icon. And this value lies in the Thought embedded in it. An example is whether icons from 1980, painted by one Person, are worth the same, if one was painted and is still in storage, and the other, after being painted, was given to a church and believers have been making pilgrimages to it for 33 years now. The Power of Thought possessed by the second icon is many times higher than the power of the first. In worldly money it is difficult to estimate the value of an icon in which hundreds of millions of People believed (Accepted with Thought as miraculous). It’s even difficult to imagine what power it has... The age of this icon can be 1-2 years. Time doesn't matter.

the icon is valuable because of how old it was written (this can be seen from the board), because of the image on it—holiday icons are valuable, and the faces of our, not very well-known gods, were painted with paints on wax. If there are eyes on the faces

are not visible - the icon definitely needs complex restoration. If you get one, the best solution

Donate it to the nearest temple or chapel - they will sort it out and thank you.