Evangelist Marcus 1555 - 1642

This engraving presents the Evangelist Mark, his visage cast downward in contemplation beside an open book. A lion, his emblematic symbol, rests faithfully at his side. The lion, an ancient symbol of strength and royalty, here transcends its primal associations, becoming an attribute of Saint Mark. From the roarsome Nemean Lion slain by Heracles to the Lion of Judah in Christian theology, the lion has been laden with cultural significance. The image of the lion evokes a range of emotions, from awe and reverence to fear and respect, tapping into our deep-seated, collective memories. Consider how these symbols recur across epochs, each time subtly altered, yet retaining echoes of their past. This image invites us to explore the enduring, cyclical nature of symbols and their power to resonate with our innermost selves.