Double-sided icon

Object: Double-sided icon of Saints Hermogenes and Athanasius of Brest
Date: Early 20th century
Materials: Galvanised iron, oil
Dimensions: 107 × 71 cm
Location: Church of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helena, Berlin-Tegel
Scope of work: Research and restoration

A rare double-sided icon, presumably created for the tercentenary of the House of Romanov in 1913. The image of Patriarch Hermogenes follows the iconographic type created by Viktor Vasnetsov in 1911.

Dirt, mould and corrosion products were removed and the paint layer was consolidated on both sides. Cleaning revealed the original floral ornament. An art-historical study was carried out.

1Saint Hermogenes. Before restoration. General view.

2Venerable Martyr Athanasius of Brest. Before restoration. General view.

3Before restoration. Detail of Hermogenes: condition of the paint layer.

4Before restoration. Detail of the surface with dirt and damage.

5Before restoration. Detail of the face of Athanasius: surface condition.

6During cleaning. Detail with the scroll.

7During restoration. Detail of the halo and inscription.

8Iconographic source for the image of Hermogenes — a work by Viktor Vasnetsov.

9Original floral ornament revealed during cleaning.

10Sketch reconstruction of the ornament and colour palette based on surviving fragments.

11Saint Hermogenes. After conservation and partial retouching.

12Athanasius of Brest. After conservation and partial retouching.

13After cleaning and consolidation of the paint layer. The image of Hermogenes.

14Detail of Athanasius: hands and open book.