Russian antique icon of the Mother of God of the Three Hands, 19th century, 17x15 in, restored

Russian antique icon of the Mother of God of the Three Hands, 19th century, 17x15 in, restored.

This icon tells the story of John Damascene, whose right hand was cut off at the caliph's order due to false accusations. Though innocent, he had to pay the price, and his hand was displayed in the town square as a warning. In his anguish, John asked for its return and, upon receiving it, he placed his hand back and started praying in front of an image of the Virgin Mother. It was then that the Madonna appeared to him, declaring his healing.

Later, he became a monk to honour this miraculous event and attached a silver hand under the sacred image of the Virgin as an ex-voto.

Subsequently, the monastery he had joined gifted the icon to Saul, the archbishop of Serbia.

Years later, during the Turkish siege, the monks entrusted the icon to a donkey to keep it safe from the enemy. The donkey wandered until it reached Mount Athos where it stopped in front of the Hilandar Monastery. Here, the monks took the icon, and during a debate on who should become the parish priest, the Mother of God indicated with a sign that it was She who should be chosen. Since then, in the Hilandar Monastery, only the vicars are appointed, and the monks receive their blessings directly from the icon.

Subject: Mother of God of the Three Hands.

Origin: Choluy-Russia.

Technique: egg tempera.

Materials: wood, levkas.

Era: 19th century.

Restoration date: 21st century.

Measurements: 16.9x14.8x0.8 in.

The icon is shipped in a protective case and includes an expert's certificate.