A PRECISE CONSERVATION PROCESS BRINGS A HIDDEN UNIQUE MEDIEVAL ICON TO LIFE FROM AL-SYRIAN MONASTERY AT WADI AL-NATRUN, EGYPT

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Coptic Paintings Conservation Department at the Monasteries and Churches in Haret Zuwaila Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Cairo, Egypt

2 Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Fayoum University, Egypt

3 Al-Syrian Monastery,Wadi Al-Natrun, Beheira Governorate, Egypt

4 Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, Egypt

Abstract

During the Conservation of a 19th-century crucifixion icon, a chance led to the revelation of another icon beneath it. The underlying icon depicted the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child and dates back to the medieval centuries at the Monastery of Al-Syrian in Wadi Al-Natrun, Egypt. This research paper discus into the strategy employed in the delicate process of separating the two icons, as well as the rationale behind opting for separation in accordance with international Conservation protocols and best practices. Following the successful detachment, the crucifixion icon was mounted on a new wooden support, selected based on thorough research. Finally, both icons underwent a comprehensive conservation process involving (Consolidation, cleaning, filling, retouching, and Varnishing). As a result, the Virgin Mary icon was brought back to life after nearly two centuries of obscurity. It is more than just an icon; it represents a golden era in the History of Coptic iconography, specifically the medieval period. It was dated to that time period through its artistic style, which was compared to numerous icons attributed to the medieval.

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