All our icons are entirely handmade.

the icons of Bose

linden and oak is used to make the panels

Linden from the forests of Slovenia and Italian oak, aged naturally in the monastery’s lumber yard, were used to make the wooden support on which the icon was painted. The linden panel was assembled according to medieval carpentry tradition, and a hollow was carved in the front of it to obtain the ‘cradle’ in which the icon is painted. Two dovetail hollows on the back of the panel hold the oak crosspieces, which help prevent the panel from bending and ensure its ventilation when hung.

The panel was soaked in Sinotar, a systemic insecticide, to protect it from wood-eating insects.

the linden and oak panel's reverse side

the ‘Atelier del Monastero di Bose’ trademark stamped on the panel’s reverse side

A piece of raw linen was applied to the front of the panel using animal glue. About fourteen thin layers of a mixture of animal glue and calcium carbonate were painted over the linen.

The surface was carefully sanded, and the linden and oak were treated with two layers of varnish.

A wrought iron hook was affixed to the back of the panel, and the ‘Atelier del Monastero di Bose’ trademark was stamped on the panel’s reverse side.

A line drawing of the icon’s subject was made on paper, and then transferred to the wood.

the icons of Bose

gold leaf's application

Gold leaf of twenty-three and three-fourths carats was applied to the gold parts of the icon, and protected with sealant.

Dry egg tempera was the medium used to paint the icon, and the natural and chemical pigments were carefully chosen and pulverized.

the icons of Bose

the protection with Olifa

The finished painting is protected with Olifa, linseed oil cooked in cobalt salts and spread generously on the panel, then wiped off. The process was repeated several times to obtain a smooth satin finish.

How to care for your icon: Simply wipe off the surface occasionally with a soft wool cloth, to remove dust that may accumulate over time. We recommend keeping the icon far from all heat sources, and in a well-ventilated room that is neither too dry nor too humid. The laboratory declines all responsibility in the event that these maintenance conditions are not respected.

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