I recently found this icon whilst walking with Billy. It was tucked into a flower bed, in the churchyard. It's about 5 by 8 inches.
I took it home and, as it was very dirty, I left it on a table in the garden for a week or so. The paint had started to crack and lift away from the wooden board on which it's painted. You can see one of the worst cracks bottom right.
Lady M said she thought it belonged to the church, as there is a similar one inside. She checked later, and confirmed that they were indeed very similar.
I wrote to the Churchwarden, and sent a photo. He confirmed that it was from the church. Someone had half-inched it, then dumped it. He was 'mystified'.
I have no idea how long it had been outdoors in the flower bed, and I felt a bit sad that it was in such bad condition; so I decided to fix it as best I could.
I put a sheet of baking parchment over the top, and gently ironed it. It did flatten quite a lot, but still isn't perfect. Anyway I shall give it back to the church this morning. They have a service at 8 am, so I'll pop in a little bit earlier.
It's a hand-painted copy of an earlier icon; so probably not of great value. Even so, I'm sure they'll be happy to have it back.
As for me; it's my good deed of the day!
17 comments:
A job well done.
The paint is flat again, but the crack needs filling or gluing. Otherwise it's OK.
Does the church know the age of the icon? Well done for finding it and returning it to its home.
You should have painted in a cigarette in Jesus's raised fingers. Perhaps a "Gitane" or a "Gauloise" as he looks quite French to me with his pursed lips. Otherwise I congratulate you on your kind act.
How strange, to steal such a thing and then just throw it away.
Luckily you found it before too much damage was done.
It looks just like one of our Orthodox icons. My m-in-law used to clean hers with diluted vinegar. The church will know how old it is. If it's hand painted it may be worth proper restoration whatever the age. One of Ks cousins used to paint and restore icons. It needs and experienced painter!!
I am sure the Church is pleased to get it back.
It seems that this loss was waiting for you to find it, who else could have repaired it with as much talent and care as you.
I don't know, but it's quite obvious to those who understand 'painting'.
I'm sure anyone with 'Photoshop' could have fun with it; it's the perfect image. 'Saviour Sigarettes' ?
It had some mould on it when I found it, so it must have been there for some time. It cleaned-up OK.
It's either Greek or Russian. I doubt somehow if they'll restore it any further. It'll probably go into a cupboard.
Lady M is taking it back at this very minute.
I seem to find things quite often. I didn't do much to it. I just happened to know about the 'ironing' trick. It's certainly better now than it was.
'Saviour Sigarettes'...Puff your way to heaven!
That's it. Smoke clouds filled with Angels.
What is your estimate at its age?
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