Andrei Rublev’s 15th-century ‘Trinity’ icon is reportedly warping after its climate-control chamber broke. A German specialist fixed it once but couldn’t return when it failed again.

The climate-controlled chamber that houses the 15th-century icon of the Trinity, which was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church in 2023, has broken down, according to Ekho and religious affairs researcher Ksenia Luchenko. The specialist from Germany who was called to repair the chamber fixed it but it malfunctioned immediately after he departed.

The reason for his absence was attributed to "difficulties in international relations." The icon, painted on three wooden panels, is now stored at 80% humidity, although experts recommend a humidity range of 50% to 55%. This high humidity level causes the wooden panels to absorb moisture and swell, leading to the narrowing of gaps between them and the warping of the icon, effectively curling it into a tube.

The leadership of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius was reportedly concerned about the declining condition of the icon and delayed informing the Tretyakov Gallery for some time. The icon is currently in the monastery's restoration workshop. The icon was housed at the Tretyakov Gallery for nearly 100 years before being transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the spring of 2023.

Art historians had expressed reservations against the transfer from the very beginning, warning that improper storage conditions could lead to the damage or destruction of the icon.