HOW TO READ AN ICON

Understanding the visual language of sacred icons

An icon is not simply an image to be observed.
Every gesture, position of the hands, colour and compositional element carries meaning.
This section explores the visual language of iconography through individual works.
More Than What You See — Mother of God of the Three Hands
overall view of the icon
part of the Three-Handed Theotokos icon
A question about the "third hand"
Historical background on the origin of the icon
The Child — Mother of God of the Three Hands
The details of the icon are indicated.
Detail of the Mother of God of the Three Hands icon showing the symbolic three hands beneath the figure of the Virgin.
Medallions and the "Third Hand" on the icon
Full view of the "Three-Handed" icon
Explore more of Emil Tzeinski's sacred iconography.
VIEW SACRED ICONS
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