St. John the Evangelist 1806 - 1816

John Flaxman rendered this drawing of St. John the Evangelist with pen and brown wash, capturing the saint's iconic association with the chalice. This is no mere drinking vessel, but a potent symbol. In Christian iconography, the chalice represents the Holy Grail, often linked with narratives of sacrifice, redemption, and the mystical quest for purity. Note his raised fingers - a gesture of blessing or revelation. We see echoes of this motif across centuries; consider how classical figures like Hermes or Orpheus are also depicted with similar hand gestures, representing knowledge and transformation. The chalice, though Christian in this context, has roots stretching back to pagan rituals, where cups and vessels signified life's cyclical nature. This symbol undergoes a transformation, a shifting of cultural weight, yet it persists, revealing how deeply ingrained such imagery is in our collective psyche. It evokes profound emotions tied to spirituality and existential questioning, resonating even in our modern, secular world. This symbol has resurfaced and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.