Evangelisterne Lukas og Markus på hver sin side af et trekantet felt 1556 - 1641

Lazzaro Tavarone rendered this drawing of the Evangelists Luke and Mark with pen and brush. Notice the symbolic figures accompanying each evangelist: a bull with Luke, and a lion with Mark. These animal symbols are not arbitrary, they're steeped in layers of meaning, evolving from ancient visions of divine power to become emblems of specific Gospel narratives. Consider the bull, traditionally a symbol of sacrifice and strength. Its connection to Luke stems from the Gospel's emphasis on Christ's priestly role and sacrificial death. Yet, the bull's symbolism is not confined to Christianity; its origins trace back to ancient cultures, embodying fertility and earthly power, like the Cretan Bull, subdued by Hercules in one of his twelve labors. Similarly, the lion, often associated with royalty and courage, mirrors Mark's depiction of Christ as a triumphant king. The image of the lion appears in early Mesopotamian art as a symbol of power and protection. These symbols, laden with cultural memory, engage us on a subconscious level, their emotional resonance amplified by centuries of artistic interpretation. The cyclical progression of these symbols continues as they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings throughout history.