Saint Mark c. 18th century

Editor: This is Johann Balzer's "Saint Mark," currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts St. Mark seated with a lion. The sepia tones give it a timeless quality, but also a bit mournful. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The lion, of course, is the most obvious. How does it speak to you? It represents courage, royalty, even resurrection— attributes connected to Mark's gospel, and an assertion of faith. Editor: So, the lion isn't just an animal; it’s a coded message? Curator: Precisely. The book Mark holds is another key element. This imagery links him to literacy, knowledge, and the divine word. Observe how these symbols work together to communicate power and authority. Editor: I never thought about how animals can function as symbols of faith, thanks! Curator: And I am reminded of the visual power of the printed word to inspire religious conviction.