TIRANA, May 19/ATA/ Following a three-month restoration at the Conservation and Restoration Laboratory, the monumental icon “Saint Mary with Christ”—a masterpiece by Onufri—is now on public display at the National Iconographic Museum.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared in the social media a view of the restored icon, which was presented to the public on occasion of the International Museum Day.
Often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of Berat”, this renowned icon underwent a meticulous restoration. The project stabilized the paint layers and carefully cleaned the surface, revealing the original brilliance of the silver coating that had tarnished over centuries of oxidation and grime.
Measuring 130 × 75 cm, this 16th-century icon of Saint Mary presenting Christ on her right arm was masterfully restored to its former glory by conservator Erion Lezi. Originally, it belonged to the iconostasis of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which now houses the Onufri Museum.
Although treated 50 years ago, the artwork suffered from damaged base layers, surface wear, and heavily tarnished silver over the centuries. Today, viewers can once again admire this restored masterpiece in all its original harmony, elegance, and expressive power. /j.p/p.s./
