Another artistic treasure gets preserved from degradation.

Albanian Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja said today that after several months of work, carried out in the Conservation and Restoration laboratory at the “Onufri” Iconographic Museum by the restorer Erion Lezi, the restoration intervention for the “Evangelization” icon, a work of the 16th century, was completed. – XVII, attributed to Onufri the Cypriot.

This icon has functioned as the Beautiful Door of the iconostasis of the church of Constantine and Helene at the castle of Berat, It represent the scene of the Evangelization is presented.

In the lower part, the archangel Gabriel is shown announcing the birth of the savior from the Virgin Mary, while the prophet Isaiah and King David stand above.

Although the icon was restored several decades ago, it presented various problems such as damage of the framing of preparatory layers, damage of the canvas, mainly in the lower half, accompanied by permanent dirt left by the previous restoration and varnish oxidation. All of these fragmented the entirety of the scene, alienated the elegance and beauty of the icon, and risked its degradation.

Today the icon is presented in its full splendor and will soon be displayed for the general public of the “Onufri” Museum in Berat, who can more clearly admire the craftsmanship and finesse of the art of Onufri the Cypriot.

/a.p./