Evangelist Johannes 1630 - 1677

This engraving by Adriaen Lommelin depicts the Evangelist John, his head surrounded by a halo, holding a quill and a book, and standing above an eagle. John’s eagle is an ancient symbol, long preceding Christianity. Eagles represented kings and gods in the ancient world, from Babylon to Rome, embodying power and majesty. In Christian iconography, the eagle came to symbolize John's lofty, soaring Gospel, which delves into the divine nature of Christ. We see the echo of this symbol across time. Consider the Roman standards, topped with eagles, or even modern national emblems. This appropriation of powerful symbols demonstrates a continuity of cultural memory. Symbols like the eagle retain their emotional resonance, engaging viewers on a subconscious level by evoking feelings of authority and reverence. The image of the evangelist standing above the eagle thus echoes through history, as symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new layers of meaning.