The artwork titled “Sophia, the Holy Wisdom,” created by the artist known as “Orthodox Icons” in 1812, belongs to the genre of iconography and is part of the “Christ the Savior” series. Currently housed at the Museum of Russian Art (Tereshchenko Museum) in Kyiv, Ukraine, this piece embodies rich historical and religious significance.
The artwork features an image of the Holy Mother, holding the infant Christ, prominently positioned in the center. She is surrounded by a semi-circular architectural structure adorned with various sacred symbols and inscriptions, underscoring her divine wisdom. Flanking her on both sides stand religious figures and saints, each depicted with meticulous attention to detail and bearing inscriptions, scrolls, or books. Above, an ethereal scene unfolds with angels and a celestial figure, possibly representing God, bestowing blessings upon the assembly below. The scene is painted in vibrant yet solemn colors, evoking a sense of reverence and spiritual awe. The multi-tiered steps leading up to the throne of the Holy Mother carry inscriptions of virtues such as glory, grace, humility, purity, love, and hope, guiding the viewer towards spiritual enlightenment.
