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An antique icon was purchased at auction for about 350-360 euros. This item is a staurotheke—a special type of icon also known as an 'inset icon.' Such artifacts were most often preserved among Old Believers and hold significant historical value.
| Term | Description |
| Staurotheke | An icon with a cross or other cast-copper relief elements inset into its wooden base. |
| Inset icon | The historical name for a staurotheke, emphasizing its construction technique. |
| Cast-copper relief | A collective term for crosses, icons, and folding icons cast from copper alloys. |
| Kiot cross | A large altar or wall cross designed to be placed in a kiot (a special icon case). |
An antique icon was purchased at auction for about 350-360 euros. This item is a staurotheke—a special type of icon also known as an 'inset icon.' Such artifacts were most often preserved among Old Believers and hold significant historical value.
The main principle of a staurotheke is the insertion of a central cast-copper element into a specially prepared wooden base. The wooden board serves as a decorative frame for this dominant relief element, and the name of the entire composition is usually determined by it.
In this case, the central element is a large kiot cross.
The icon presented dates to the 19th century, presumably the middle of it. Its place of creation is most likely Russia. Judging by the characteristic style and use of enamel, the central kiot cross can be attributed to the work of Ural masters.
The top piece of the cross indicates its connection to the Bespopovtsy (priestless) Old Believers. This is evidenced by the absence of the 'Image Not Made by Hands' of the Savior, which is replaced by an image with a two-fingered blessing and cherubim. This is an important iconographic sign confirming the Old Believer origin of the object.
The composition of the staurotheke is dedicated to the Crucifixion of Christ, which is supplemented by numerous selected icons that richly decorate the board. Various scenes and images of saints are arranged around the central cross.
Of particular interest are two images that are extremely rare in icon painting—the depictions of the two thieves crucified with Jesus. According to New Testament tradition, one of them mocked Christ, while the other repented. It is believed that the icon on the right depicts the repentant thief who was granted forgiveness.
Despite its generally good condition, the icon has serious damage. The main problem is deep cracks in the wooden board, which are visible as 'sunken lines' on the front. The board likely warped because it was kept near a heat source, such as a stove, for a long time.
On the back of the icon, it is clear that the board has cracked but is held together by two transverse splines and the inset kiot cross itself. Attempting to straighten the board to its original state could lead to its complete destruction.
For this reason, professional restoration should not include straightening the base. The optimal solution would be to strengthen the cracks by filling them with a special compound, such as epoxy resin mixed with chalk or wood dust. Additionally, minor restoration of the tempera paint layer will be required in the damaged areas on the front.
