The Virgin of the three hands

Origin: Russia
Age: 2nd half of the XIXth Century
Composition: Kiot – Metal – Tempera on wood
Measures Cms: 90,0 X 69,5 X 19,0

The image originated in Syria in the VIIIth century during the struggle in defense of the icons. Leon III accused John Damasceno before the Caliph of Damascus, which ordered to cut his hand. Damasceno passed the whole night praying and promised to God that he would keep on fighting in defense of the icons if God replaced him the hand. The Virgin appeared to him in dreams and said to him that his hand had been replaced. He woke up and the miracle was worked. He composed the anthem ?All of creation rejoices in You, O full of Grace? and he hung a silver hand on the icon of the Virgin.