Icon of the Mother of God with Three Hands. - Lot 306

Lot n° 306
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200 - 300 EUR
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Result : 300EUR
Icon of the Mother of God with Three Hands. - Lot 306
Icon of the Mother of God with Three Hands. Tempera and gold on wood. Russia, Palekh school, 19th century. H. 17,5 x W. 13,5 cm. In 730, Saint John Damascene opposed the decision of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian to destroy 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 account for these letters (in which his handwriting had been skilfully imitated), John was unable to convince him and was condemned to have his right hand cut off and to leave the Caliphate. Following 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 deeply 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).
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