Virgin and Child seated on a throne

Silver icon on a velvet stand, replica of an 18^th century wooden diptych of which only one leaf is preserved and depicts the Virgin seated on a throne with Jesus raising one hand in blessing and holding the Gospels. The original has probably been crafted at one of the renowned woodworking ateliers of Mount Athos. Such miniature icons, which were worn by Church dignitaries on chains around the neck, were made of various materials on metal settings with wire decoration, enamel and semi-precious stones.