AN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD 'TROJERUCICA (THREE-HANDED)' Russia, late 19th century

wood, gesso, gold leaf, tempera 22.5 x 17.5 cm. Conservation: without restoration, worn gilding The icon the Mother of God was in the possession of St. John of Damascus (8th century) when his hand was cut off. Upon praying in front of the icon, his hand was miraculously restored. In thanksgiving, he made a silver replica of his hand and attached it to the icon. After this, the icon became known as "three-handed" (Tricherousa). The icon is worshipped by the people as a symbol of their desire to see the Heavenly Patroness as a help in their domestic affairs. On the reverse is a stamp of the workshop of Ivan Ivanovich Silin for the production of icon boards.