Analyzes methodological changes in the practices of the restoration workshop of old Russian paintings of the Russian Museum, and their conformity to the fundamental principles of scientific restoration. Compares the results of cleaning icons using traditional methods and those recently adopted. Discusses the trend toward limiting the use of solvents during the cleaning. Presents observations on the role of the techniques of execution in the artistic structure of icons. Studies old Russian paintings in the complex light of technological, art historical, and iconographical research methods. Describes the practical application of this approach to the restoration of 14th-century Boris and Gleb icon.