Icon; 19th century.

Icon; 19th century.
“Sophia, the Wisdom of God.”
Painting and gilding on wood panel.
Features a label on the back.
Measurements: 32 x 26 x 4 cm.
Depiction of Sophia, the Wisdom of God, one of the most complex and symbolic themes in Russian Orthodox iconography. In the center is the crowned figure of Wisdom, seated on a throne and adorned with imperial regalia. On either side are the Virgin Mary (Theotokos), holding the Infant Jesus, and Saint John the Baptist, carrying a scroll with an inscription in Church Slavonic. At the top, within a celestial sphere, Christ is depicted giving a blessing, surrounded by angelic hosts. The composition establishes a symbolic relationship between divine Wisdom, the Word, and the incarnation of Christ. The panel features a gilded background with incised decoration, accompanied by an outer frame with relief ornamentation—elements characteristic of the Russian icon tradition.
The depiction of Sophia, the Wisdom of God, has its roots in the biblical tradition, especially in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where Wisdom is personified. In the Eastern Christian tradition, this image underwent significant development in Russian iconography, particularly through the tradition of Saint Sophia of Novgorod.