I'm trying to find some information on this icon. It measures 3 x 4
inches, painted on copper. The frame is not contemporary with the
piece. I know that it signifies St. Clare of Assisi, what I'm
primarily trying to determine is its origin, its age, and a ballpark
value (for insurance purposes). I know that iconagraphy was popular in
Russia, although it seems unlikely that it would have an inscription
in Latin. Possibly Italian?

Here's a scan of the icon in question:
http://idisk.mac.com/charlesholt/Public/StClare.jpg

Hi,
First of all, Clara de Assisi is Spanish language.
Your painting may be Mexican, Colombian, Peruvian or Bolivian and may
be from 17 to 19th centuries.
The links below have a lot of information about paintings on copper.
They are in Spanish and you may translate them using Google
translation:
http://www.banrep.gov.co/blaavirtual/credencial/129lapintura.htm

http://www.procobreperu.org/cuprimuralJulAgo03.htm

http://www.museoblaisten.com/01englishMain/index.asp?myURL=%2F02asp%2Fenglish%2Froom%2Easp&myVars=sala%3D7

http://www.parroquias-arnedo.com/exposicioncobres.htm

http://www.fundego.com/cultural/artcult/pintura/barroco/colonial/indice.htm
luntes