Precious metal revetments on Georgian medieval painted icons: some observations on a devotional practice

Abstract

The embellishment of sacred images with precious metal was a widespread
religious practice throughout the Byzantine world over many
centuries. The cladding of Christian images in precious metal has long
been an act of piety on the part of the faithful, representing their
gratitude to their heavenly protectors for performed assistance.
Georgian medieval icons encased in revetments of precious metal that
carry their donors’ supplicatory inscriptions, throw additional light on
the ways in which such icons were used and venerated.