Faith Hope Charity

Earliest Christian legend states that Saint Sophia, the patron Saint of Wisdom, was a widow with three young daughters named Faith, Hope and Charity. All were tortured for their beliefs and eventually martyred during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.

In early Christian imagery, the three sisters are shown smaller than their mother and all wear halos. In this print created by Currier & Ives, the three girls appear in the center of the image and are surrounded by a floral motif as well as banners bearing their virtuous names. The names of the girls and the activities they represent are the foundations for belief even today.

Date: 1874

Users, log in to add this piece to your personal lightbox

Return To Search Results