MOSCOW, 21 Jun. The first restoration of Andrey Rublev's «Trinity» was carried out in 1904, almost five centuries after its creation, Elena Saenkova, head of the department of ancient Russian art at the State Tretyakov Gallery, said in an interview.
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”The first restoration of the icon was carried out in 1904 by master V. Guryanov in agreement with the Lavra's hierarchy. This was necessary, since the painting, which had been renewed many times, darkened, it was covered with black drying oil and the faces of the angels were practically invisible, that is, it was impossible to contemplate the image. It is important to understand that in the Christian tradition, it is eye contact with the icon that is important: contemplating the holy face, we lift up our prayers to the Lord,» Saenkova said.
Full interview with Saenkova about «Trinity» and ancient Russian art, read the link.