Saint Luke 1514 - 1536

This is an engraving of Saint Luke by an anonymous artist. It is a historical rendering of a biblical figure, viewed through the lens of religious dogma and artistic convention. The imagery depicts a male figure, presumably Saint Luke, seated on clouds with an ox nearby, bathed in divine light. But who decides how a saint should be depicted? This representation is a product of centuries of cultural and religious interpretation, reinforcing patriarchal norms. The absence of the artist's name further complicates our understanding. Anonymous works can be seen as a product of collective cultural values and belief systems, rather than individual expression. What does it mean to depict a religious figure whose stories have been told and retold, each time shaped by the teller? Here, an opportunity arises to question the power dynamics inherent in religious art and to consider whose voices and visions are privileged. How do these traditional images align with contemporary values, and what alternative narratives might we create?