Restoration of the icon “Lindja e Krishtit” (The Nativity of Christ), an 18th-century icon painted by Kostandin Shpataraku

“Lindja e Krishtit” (The Nativity of Christ) is an 18th-century icon painted by Kostandin Shpataraku, which is currently being restored in the laboratory of the National Museum of Medieval Art in Korçë. According to the restorer Genti Proko, the icon was found in the Church of Shën Marena (St Marina) in Llëngë, Pogradec, where its author also painted the church’s murals.

“This icon was painted by Kostandin Shpataraku and stood on the iconostasis of the Church of Shën Marena in Llëngë, Pogradec. As far as I know, it is the only church where Kostandin Shpataraku also painted the murals”, said Proko.

Kostandin Shpataraku is one of the most celebrated painters of the 18th century and, at the same time, one of the best-known Albanian icon painters, which is why the icons he painted are considered to be of great value.

“The icon is in a fairly good state of preservation, with no damage, but the varnish has oxidised and darkened”, he said.

After restoration, valuable icons such as this one by Kostandin Shpataraku are placed on display in the exhibition of the National Museum of Medieval Art for the public to see. The exhibition is renewed from time to time so that it always remains attractive to the tourists and visitors of the museum. - RTSH-