Icône de la Mère de Dieu aux Trois Mains. Lot n° 30

Tempera and gold on wood. Misses in the lower part. Russia, 19th century. H. 35,5 x L. 31 cm. History In 730, Saint John Damascene opposed the decision of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian to destroy the holy images. To counter the influence of John, Leo III would have had false documents produced implicating John in a Byzantine plan to attack Damascus. Called by the caliph to give an account of these (in which his handwriting had been skilfully imitated), John could not convince him and was condemned to have his right hand cut off, and to leave the caliphate. As a result of his insistent prayer to the Mother of God, in front of an icon of her, he had his hand glued back together, and presented himself before the Caliph with both hands. The caliph was impressed and realized that he was innocent and wanted to reinstate him to his position, but John refused and chose to become a monk. He had a silver hand made and added it to the icon before which he had prayed, as a sign of gratitude. From this was born the type of icon of the Mother of God with three hands (or Tricherousa). Икона Божией Матери "Троеручица". Золото, темпера. Россия, XIX век.