This icon of the Theotokos is of the type Hodigitria, i.e. pointing the way. This is one of the most widespread images of the Holy Virgin with Christ child in her arms. The Child is blessing with his right hand and is holding a scroll or the Gospel in his left hand. According to the legend, the image of the Holy Virgin ‘Of Three Hands’ came into being due to the theologian John Damascene who lived in the VIII century.
Icon of the Holy Virgin 'Of the Three Hands'
Creation period
last third of XVIII century
Dimensions
64,2x43 cm
Technique
Wood, primer, tempera
Collection
6
Open in app#1
Unknown artist
Icon of the Holy Virgin 'Of the Three Hands'
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It was the period of iconoclastic controversy in Byzantium, when veneration of Saints on icons was treated as idolatry. The theologian spoke in defense of veneration of icons. He also wrote multiple letters to his friends in Byzantium, in which he denounced aniconism. According to legends, his enemies cut off his right hand. John Damascene spent all night praying to the Holy Virgin to heal his hand and in the morning found it intact.
In memory of that miracle he attached a hand cast in silver to the bottom part of the icon of the Holy Virgin, hence the name ‘Of the Three Hands’. This miracle-working icon is believed to have been on Mount Athos in the monastery of Sabbas the Sanctified for five centuries, was later taken away to Serbia and then returned again to the Holy Mountain.
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The image was first brought to Russia in 1661. Patriarch Nikon ordered a copy of the miracle-working icon that was brought to New Jerusalem Monastery. Since then icon painters started repeating the subject in their works. Two versions of portraying the third hand were developed later: the hand is either painted with silver paint in memory of the healing of Venerable John Damascene or depicted in natural skin color.
#7
The icon of the Holy Virgin ‘Of Three Hands’ is one of the copies of the icon from the New Jerusalem Monastery. It was painted by an unknown artist in the late XVIII century. Based on its size it was intended for a church. Painting the background, the master stretched the pink shade in the bottom part into light blue and deep blue on top. He placed the text of the prayer to the Holy Virgin under the image: ‘Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls! ’
#8
New Jerusalem Museum
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Icon of the Holy Virgin 'Of the Three Hands'
Creation period
last third of XVIII century
Dimensions
64,2x43 cm
Technique
Wood, primer, tempera
Collection
6
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