Russian icon with metal riza, Mother of God of the Three Hands, 19th century, 13x9.5 in

Russian icon with metal riza, Mother of God of the Three Hands, 19th century, 13x9.5 in.
Antique Russian icon from the 19th century depicting the Theotokos of the Three Hands with metal riza.
This icon, linked to the tradition of the miracle of Saint John of Damascus. According to legend, in 716 the saint was unjustly accused and sentenced to have his right hand cut off. After reattaching the limb with faith in front of an icon of the Mother of God, he was miraculously healed. Out of gratitude, John added a third silver hand to the holy image as a sign of devotion, giving rise to the iconography of the Mother of God of the Three Hands.
The icon followed a long historical and spiritual path, passing from Serbia to Mount Athos, where it was welcomed into the monastery of Hilandar. Here, another miraculous event established that the Mother of God was considered the spiritual leader of the monastery, and even today the monks receive the blessing directly from the icon.
This icon has a metal riza with a stamping, typical detail of silver riza, which makes it possible for the covering to be made of this precious material. The riza protects the holy image, leaving only the faces of the Madonna and Child visible, enhancing its sacredness and artistic value.
Origin: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: egg tempera on wood with levkas preparation, metal riza.
Dimensions: 13x9.7 in.
Period: 19th century.
The icon is accompanied by a certificate confirming its authenticity and historical value, along with a description of the significance of this Marian icon in Orthodox tradition.