How to Authenticate an Orthodox Icon

An icon of St. Nicholas bordered by scenes from his life.

Orthodox iconography is a distinctive and stylized art form. Its sole purpose is to show matter in all its glory. In other words, an icon is meant to depict a certain subject as glorified and spiritualized and, hence, evoke a devotional response. The subjects are meant to show what matter looks like in heaven or prior to the fall of Adam. Authenticating an icon means finding tell-tale signs of modern composition. In other words, if an icon is of ancient vintage, there will be aspects that can be identified to authenticate it.

Instructions

1. Examine the wood used. Icons traditionally are painted on woods such as pine, birch or cypress. These woods are examined specifically for their durability and smoothness prior to painting. If an icon, for example, is supposed to be from the 16th century in northern Russia and is not painted on a durable birch, then it is probably a fake. The wood often serves to pinpoint an icon's point of origin, so it is always smart to find out which trees grow in which areas. The birch has a long history as an almost "sacred" tree in Russia and, thus, most northern icons are painted on it.

2. Research the subject depicted on the icon. An easy way to tell a modern from a medieval creation is the nature of the depiction. The ancient method of icon painting is standard throughout the Orthodox world. If you come across an icon of the Resurrection, for example, research genuine icons from the same period. If there are differences in the depiction --- such as the use of non-standard colors --- this should create suspicion. Modern ideas imposed on an "ancient" icon are an easy way to spot a fake. One obvious example might be the use of gray --- forbidden on all icons. The use of bright colors also suggests fakery. Ask if the icon has been in a church for a long time or in private collection. Icons in churches are often discolored due to the large number of candles burnt in front of them.

3. Study examples of the relevant orthography. All icons are emblems in that they have a title showing the viewer what is being depicted. For example, if you are viewing the same 16th century northern Russian icon of the Resurrection, and the style of Cyrillic is modern, then you are viewing a fake. Orthography should be in the ancient language of the relevant area: Greek icons always have classical Greek inscriptions. In most cases, the orthography is specific to a period of time or region. Matching up the lettering used in the description can link an icon to its point of creation.

4. Analyze the paint. In most cases, you will need the assistance of a laboratory to accomplish this, as well as a small sample of the paint itself. All ancient icons --- without exception --- are written using egg tempera. Any other paint is an indicator that you are looking at a fraud.

Tips & Warnings

• The real purpose of an icon is devotion. Therefore, an "authentic" icon will be the depiction of a subject that a) is of Orthodox theological background and b) follows faithfully the Byzantine method of painting. If it does not follow the ancient canons of icon painting, then it is not an icon, but merely a painting.

• These are just preliminary steps to authenticate an icon. Various forms of scientific dating can be used depending on the claimed vintage of the piece.

• Icons are not meant to be bought and sold. Authenticating an icon should be done just to ascertain the historical truth behind a claim, not for the sake of earning money. Icons that are no longer in use should be burned under the supervision of a bishop.

References

• "The Meaning of Icons"; Leonid Ouspensky and Vladimir Lossky; 1952