Before treatment.

This Russian icon, painted on wood panel, is in seriously deteriorated condition. After long storage in extremely damp conditions, it has lost some of its paint layer and some of the white gesso upon which the paint lies. The most damaged area is the upper right corner. In addition to this structural damage is a heavy layer of soil.

After treatment.

The broken edges of the remaining gesso and paint layer have been consolidated, i.e., re-adhered, a new gesso layer has been laid-in, and areas of paint loss have been in-painted to match the surrounding color and design. The broken gold decoration that surrounds the saints' image has been incised and re-gilded. As with all icons, this one was blessed after restoration.

Detail, before treatment.

This close-up shows the extensive damage and loss of broken, crumbled gesso and paint in the upper right corner. It also reveals the fine linen that covers the wood panel upon which the gesso had been laid.

Detail, after treatment.

This picture shows the successful completion of our conservation process. It now allows one to see the saints and the beauty of the painting much as it was meant to be.

Detail, before treatment:

This close-up focuses on the gesso and paint losses of the lower right corner. Some parts of the linen are almost black with soil, while some parts are freshly white.

Detail after treatment.

The icon is clean and the decorative gold gesso has been repaired and replaced where needed.