Hodegetria with riza 1430

This Orthodox icon presents the Hodegetria, Mary holding the Christ Child, embellished with a riza, or metal cover. It features an intricate combination of painting, metalworking, and the application of pearls and jewels. The riza itself is a testament to skilled labor and the value of materials. It is made of precious metals, likely silver or gold, carefully worked to create a detailed relief. The pearls and jewels, painstakingly applied, add to the icon's opulence. The combination of these materials and techniques transforms the painted image into a sacred and valuable object. Rizas often cover most of the painted surface, leaving only the faces and hands exposed, and sometimes they are commissioned to thank the Virgin Mary. They serve not only as decoration but also as protection for the icon, and emphasize the importance of the holy figures depicted. The icon's materiality reflects the devotion and resources of the community that created it. The use of valuable materials and skilled craftsmanship underscores the icon's significance, bridging the earthly and the divine.