Three-Handed Mother of God
Artist
Unknown
Date19th Century
MediumTempera and gold leaf on panel
Dimensions5 1/4 × 4 1/4 in. (13.3 × 10.8 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Evelyn LaLanne
Object number2000.2.13
Label TextIn the 8th century, during the time of the Iconoclasts, Saint John of Damascus was punished by the Caliph (who mistakenly believed Saint John wrote traitorous letters to the Emperor) by having his hand cut off. Later that day, Saint John held the amputated hand before an icon of the Mother of God and begged her to heal him, finally falling asleep. When he awoke, Saint John saw that his hand was restored, and, in gratitude, he created a small silver hand and placed it on the icon. At some point during the process of repeated copying, this silver hand was mistakenly thought to be the Mother of God's hands, and was painted as such. Icons that show the original silver hand are very uncommon.For more information about this object and Chapman University's collection of Russian Icons, visit our digital exhibition https://chapmanrussianicons.omeka.net/exhibits/show/thegreaticon/thegreaticon
Status
On viewLocation
- Leatherby Libraries (1 University Drive), Floor 4, 401 Lobby, Wall display case 2
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