The symbolic Art of Icons appeared during the early-Christian years at the Roman province of Judaea. After legalization of the Christian religion in 313 AD many artists adapted the new religion. They consolidated their advanced methods and technical knowledge thus setting the path for the development and expansion of icons. The earliest saved Icons date back to the 6th century.
Symbols are the essential element of icons, such as halos, feathers, etc. The figures are represented with specified facial expressions, individualistic characteristics and compatible body position. The major Schools of the Icon Art are the Paleologos, the Macedonian and the Cretan. Conserving an Icon usually includes cleaning, repairing the holding, completing segments and sophisticated method of disinsectisation in vacuum and supplementing with Nitrogen to avoid the use of harmful chemicals. If desired, colour restoration is also applied.
