Getting to the Image

Think of an ancient icon of Christ. Imagine that a thousand-year-old Christ Pantocrator painted on a wooden panel is discovered in some forgotten monastery. The image of Christ is there, but it’s covered with a thick layer of grime, dirt, and soot that has accumulated over centuries and has nearly obliterated the image of Christ.

Now imagine that a restoration artist is given the task of returning the icon to its original vibrancy and beauty. Think about how the restoration artist goes about her work. Among her tools for art restoration, we will find brushes and solvents, but we won’t…