Holy Wisdom (iconography)

'Holy Sophia, Divine Wisdom') is a conventional topos of iconography, attested since at least the late 14th century.

Also known as "fire-winged" (огнекрылой),[1] this type shows Holy Wisdom as a fiery angel with wings, seated on a throne and flanked by the Theotokos and by Saint Cosmas of Maiuma.

[2] A related but highly divergent type is known as "Wisdom hath builded her Home" (Премудрость созда Себе дом).

The name is a quotation of Proverbs 9:1 and references the incarnation of Christ the Logos, identified with Holy Wisdom, the "house" being the Theotokos.

The main point of contention is the question whether "Wisdom", i.e. Christ, or the "House", i.e. the Theotokos, should take center stage.

Holy Wisdom icon from the Annunciation Cathedral, Moscow (15th century)
"Wisdom hath builded Her house" icon (16th century), from the Cathedral of Athanasius and Cyril of the Alexandrian Kirillov Monastery near Novgorod (now Russian Museum inv. no. 28830)