Evangelist Lucas 1530 - 1533

This is a small anonymous woodcut called 'Evangelist Lucas,' now held in the Rijksmuseum. The print illustrates Saint Luke, one of the four Evangelists, traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Here, Saint Luke is depicted seated at a writing desk, quill in hand, deeply absorbed in his work. A winged ox, his symbolic attribute, rests beside him. During the early centuries of Christianity, as the Gospels were being disseminated across diverse cultures, the Evangelists became associated with specific symbols that aided in their identification. These symbols not only distinguished each Evangelist but also served as visual reminders of their unique theological contributions. The image reflects not only a religious narrative but also the cultural context of its creation, inviting us to reflect on the intertwined nature of faith, identity, and representation.