St Mark the Evangelist 

Edward Burne-Jones created this depiction of St. Mark, the Evangelist, with pen and brown ink. The winged lion, a powerful symbol of St. Mark, immediately draws our attention. This motif, representing Mark’s Gospel which begins with the roaring voice of John the Baptist in the wilderness, echoes images across cultures. Think of ancient Assyrian lamassu figures with winged bulls or lions, guardians of sacred spaces. The lion symbolizes strength, courage, and royalty, linking Mark to the divine and the potent narratives within his Gospel. We see how the winged lion reappears throughout history, from ancient protective deities to emblems of saints, its core essence endures, transformed and reinterpreted. Like a persistent dream, it touches upon primal fears and aspirations that resonate deep within us. This image’s emotional power lies in the synthesis of these ancient, enduring symbols, engaging our subconscious on a profound level. The cyclical progression of symbols is fascinating – resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across historical contexts.