Cleric once cherished a religious painting (4)
I believe the answer is:
icon
'religious painting' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'cleric once cherished a' is the wordplay.
'ICON' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am uncertain how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for icon that I've seen before include "Painting or person regarded as sacred" , "Adored person" , "Religious painting in Greek Orthodox Church" , "Image of a religious figure" , "Religious painting of Greek origin" .)