The beginning of the new academic year at the Department of Restoration and Expertise of Works of Art at KSADA was marked by a significant event. Following the completion of restoration work, the unique icon “St. John the Baptist – Angel of the Desert” has been returned to the Nikanor Onatsky Regional Art Museum in Sumy.

This rare example of early 18th-century Ukrainian iconography became the subject of comprehensive research and a diploma project by Iryna SYVOLAP, a 4th-year student of the “Restoration and Expertise of Works of Art” educational programme. Under the academic supervision of Senior Lecturer Artem DEREVIANKO and with consultative support from the Head of the Department, PhD in Art History, Associate Professor Viacheslav SHULIKA, Associate Professor, PhD in Chemical Sciences Kostiantyn ZHERNOKLOV, and Lecturer, PhD Nataliia ANTONENKOVA, a full cycle of restoration work was performed.

Research revealed that the icon combines tempera and oil techniques, characteristic of the transitional period of the early 18th century in Ukrainian painting. The painting style, floral ornaments on the saint’s garments, and decorative vegetal motifs indicate that the artwork belongs to the traditions of the Ukrainian Baroque and the Slobozhanshchyna School of Art.

The professional and inspired work of the young restorer, in collaboration with experienced scholars, restored the artwork’s original artistic integrity and exhibition-ready appearance. For the museum, this is a significant acquisition, as the restored work not only enriches the collection but also opens new perspectives in the study of regional iconographic heritage.

The Nikanor Onatsky Regional Art Museum in Sumy expresses its sincere gratitude to the Department of Restoration and Expertise of Works of Art at KSADA for many years of fruitful cooperation and for its invaluable contribution to the preservation of national cultural heritage. The professional collaboration between museum workers and the Academy’s academic staff serves as an example of combining science, education and practice, making it possible to bring unique masterpieces of Ukrainian icon painting back to life.