R
rowlands
Guest
Thank you. The icon shown does not appear to have been restored. The oklad is intended to protect as well as to honour the icon, although it does not, of course, protect the exposed face and hands.
Icons can and are restored, preferably with all due care, skill, and respect, although many icons outside of church use in Russia were restored by secular conservators during the communist era. Some restorers have been said to have been ‘overzealous’ in their work (both in Russia and elsewhere). There is evidence that many of the more ancient and highly venerated or historic icons had been previously restored over the years (largely by cleaning and overpainting).
It is doubtful that any of the most holy and miracle-working icons would be subjected to restoration nowadays.
Icons that are totally unsalvageable should be disposed of reverently, usually by burning and respectful disposal of the ashes. In Moscow such icons are often used to fuel the fires that heat the pans in which the sacred chrism is prepared during Holy and Great week.
Icons can and are restored, preferably with all due care, skill, and respect, although many icons outside of church use in Russia were restored by secular conservators during the communist era. Some restorers have been said to have been ‘overzealous’ in their work (both in Russia and elsewhere). There is evidence that many of the more ancient and highly venerated or historic icons had been previously restored over the years (largely by cleaning and overpainting).
It is doubtful that any of the most holy and miracle-working icons would be subjected to restoration nowadays.
Icons that are totally unsalvageable should be disposed of reverently, usually by burning and respectful disposal of the ashes. In Moscow such icons are often used to fuel the fires that heat the pans in which the sacred chrism is prepared during Holy and Great week.