Visualizing Virtue

The Theological Virtues: Faith, Charity, Hope Italian (Umbrian) Painter, Italian

This Sunday’s lectionary reading from the Epistles is 1 Corinthians 13:1–13, which presents the three "theological virtues." In this art, each of these virtues are represented by young women, accompanied by an attribute: at the feet of Faith a dog, a common symbol of fidelity; at the feet of Charity a pelican symbolic of Christ's sacrifice; and at the feet of Hope a phoenix, symbolizing Christ's Resurrection. The series of allegorical figures, viewed against a continuous landscape, was probably intended to decorate the back of a spalliere (a high-backed bench or day-bed) or to be set into a wainscoting. (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Sophia (Holy Wisdom) with Virtues Lyuba Yatskiv (Ukrainian, 1977–), 2015

Sophia the Wisdom of God is depicted here before the throne with the Eucharistic gifts on it. This image is inspired by the reading of Old Testament texts (Prov. 1:20-33; 8; 9:1-6; Job 28; Wis. 7-9) and their Christian interpretation. In the book of Job, we are struck by the biblical author’s emphasis on Wisdom belonging to the divine world. That is why angels are depicted on both sides of Sophia, whom we at the same time personify with the seven virtues (prudence, perseverance, justice, moderation, faith hope, and charity). Above Sophia are also depicted the symbols of the Holy Trinity: in a round stained-glass window, the symbol of God the Father, below, seven pillars with the gifts of the Holy Spirit (‘Wisdom built her house and hewed out seven pillars for it’ Prov. 9:1).