Antique Russian Orthodox Icon Hallmarked and 50 similar items

This is an Antique Russian Orthodox Icon Hallmarked ?1892,? ?84,? and More. There is a missing piece and some damage to the bottom. Please see my photos for a better idea of the state of the item and for the hallmark. Please let me know if you have any questions or want more pictures! Russian Orthodox icons are sacred works of art that hold deep spiritual and cultural significance in the Russian Orthodox Church. These icons are more than just religious artwork; they are considered windows into the divine, representing saints, Christ, the Virgin Mary, and key biblical scenes. The tradition of icon painting in Russia can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire, as Russia adopted Christianity in 988 AD, and was heavily influenced by the Eastern Orthodox Church?s iconographic practices. Icons were created to serve as objects of veneration, helping believers connect with the spiritual world and providing a visual representation of Christian teachings. Russian Orthodox icons are typically painted on wood panels and use a technique called "egg tempera," where pigments are mixed with egg yolk and water to create vibrant colors. Gold leaf is often used to highlight the divine and heavenly nature of the figures depicted, especially in backgrounds or halos. During times of political upheaval, such as the Russian Revolution, iconoclasm (the rejection or destruction of religious icons) became an issue, as Soviet authorities sought to suppress religious practice. However, icons have experienced a revival in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and they remain an essential part of Orthodox Christian worship, both in private homes and church settings. Collecting and restoring old icons has also become an important field for many art historians, as these works represent not only religious devotion but also centuries of Russian culture and artistic heritage.