The Four Evangelists 16th century

The intricately carved wooden cross titled "The Four Evangelists," created in the 16th century by Italian sculptor Valerio Belli (1468-1546), is a beautiful example of Renaissance art. The cross features four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, depicted in relief within the four arms of the cross, with a central relief of a bearded head symbolizing God. The cross is an important relic from a time when religious art was an integral part of worship and was intended to be both beautiful and educational. The delicate carvings of the figures and intricate details of the cross, coupled with the symbolic imagery, are a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic skill of the Renaissance. This artwork, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, demonstrates the religious devotion and aesthetic sensibilities of the time.