Troeruchitsa Type Icon
The 'Three-handed' Mother of God.
Russian 19th century in ornate metal oklad.
13in. x 10in (33cm. x 25cm)

This Troeruchitsa type is based on the legend that St. John of Damascus had his hand cut off at the order of a Caliph for supposed disloyalty. John prayed to Mary, who then re-attached the severed hand. A silver 'third hand' was then added to the icon in thanks for the healing. The 'third hand' icon was frequently misunderstood by icon painters, who often just added a third hand to Mary’s visible two.
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