St. Luke 1610 - 1614

El Greco painted Saint Luke, likely in the late 16th or early 17th century, immortalizing him with oil on canvas. Luke’s symbols – the book and the stylus – speak volumes. They signify not just literacy, but divine inspiration, connecting the earthly act of writing with heavenly knowledge. Consider the book. From ancient scrolls to illuminated manuscripts, it represents accumulated wisdom. Here, it is the Gospel, a testament to Luke's role as an evangelist. Note how the stylus hovers, a moment of pause before the word becomes scripture. This act echoes across time, from Egyptian scribes to medieval monks, each shaping civilization through the written word. Such potent symbols are never static. They evolve, accrue new layers of meaning. The psychological weight of these symbols is profound. They tap into our collective memory, engaging us on a visceral level. As we gaze upon Saint Luke, we witness not just a portrait but a timeless dialogue between past, present, and the enduring power of symbols.