Ancient Russian icon Madonna of the Three Hands, 19th century 35x30 cm
Ancient Russian icon depicting the Madonna of the Three Hands, one of the best-known Marian images in the Orthodox tradition. The devotion to this Orthodox icon is linked to John of Damascus. In the 8th century he was unjustly accused before the caliph and punished by the removal of his right hand. After intense prayer before an image of the Mother of God, the Virgin appeared to him and miraculously restored his health. Out of gratitude John commissioned a silver hand which was placed beneath th...
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Ancient Russian icon depicting the Madonna of the Three Hands, one of the best-known Marian images in the Orthodox tradition. The devotion to this Orthodox icon is linked to John of Damascus. In the 8th century he was unjustly accused before the caliph and punished by the removal of his right hand. After intense prayer before an image of the Mother of God, the Virgin appeared to him and miraculously restored his health. Out of gratitude John commissioned a silver hand which was placed beneath the icon, giving rise to the distinctive representation known as the 'Three Hands'. The religious icon was later taken to Serbia and, during the Ottoman invasions, was saved by being placed on a donkey which, according to tradition, reached the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos. There the image is venerated as the monastery's protector and is regarded as its spiritual guide. This iconography emphasizes the role of the Mother of God as intercessor and healer, particularly esteemed in Orthodox spirituality.
Title: Madonna of the Three Hands.
Origin: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: egg tempera on panel.
Materials: wooden panel prepared with levkas.
Dimensions: 35.4 x 30.6 cm.
Period: 19th century.