Why is an iconologist necessary
Orienting yourself in a market full of works of doubtful quality from Eco di Biella of 21.12.1995

Can a layman, addicted to laicism, be dazzled by the Russian icons, surely the most trascendental among the religiuos arts? According to Mauro Pozzati, it's possible.

In his case the overwhelming passion has made him an iconologist, a figure of studies researcher totally unknown in Italy, but useful to those who are fond of this orthodox iconographical art, overrun by the paintings trade, sometimes of questionable quality, after that the eastern frontiers have been opened. "In the case of icons, the traditional markets or merchants of proven experience are not enough to establish the standards required" Pozzati says; also the percentage of real masterpieces is so low to discourage the buyers.

"Most of the times I have to disappoint those who bring me an icon to evaluate" POzzati says, "I had to evaluate a thousand icons to find the 60 tables of the collection".

BE CAREFUL WITH THE AGE: THE ICONS WITH SOUL MUST NOT BE OLDER THAN THE FIRST HALF OF '800.

IN ANY OTHER CASE WE RECOMMEND THE ADVICE OF AN ANTIQUARIAN EXPERT.