Bidspirit auction | ANTIQUE 19TH C ICON OF

ANTIQUE 19TH C ICON OF THREE HANDED MOTHER OF GOD - An antique 19th century Orthodox icon of the Mother of God, known as the Trojerucica or Three-Handed Virgin Mary. Mixed media painting: egg tempera, gesso, and levkas on a wood board with gilding. Labeled on the back side. A distinct feature is the presence of a third hand in the lower part of the image, attached to the omophorion of the Theotokos. The Virgin Mary is depicted in the center, holding the Christ Child on her left arm. Around the perimeter of the icon are images of saints. In the upper corners of the icon are the traditional Greek monograms IC XC and MP OΥ, Mother of God. To the right of the Virgins face, the inscription in Cyrillic reads: Trojerucica. According to Orthodox tradition, the icons history is linked to Saint John of Damascus. He was slandered and had his hand cut off by order of the caliph. After earnest prayer before an image of the Virgin Mary, his hand was miraculously restored. In gratitude, John attached a silver representation of his hand to the icon, which over time became a canonical part of the iconography. Antique Russian Religious Items and Collectibles. Dimensions 14 1/4 x 12 in. All measurements are approximate Condition Overall good vintage condition. Signs of age and wear. Small Chips paint, small chip wood. Refer to photos. Sold As Is.