tre santi dal polittico di san paolo 1389

Luca di Tommé painted this panel of a saint around 1360, likely using tempera on wood. Here we see a saint holding a sword and a scroll. The sword has long been a symbol of strength, justice, and martyrdom, but here, it also signifies spiritual warfare, the battle against evil. The scroll symbolizes wisdom, knowledge, and divine law. The motif of a saint holding a sword can be traced back to ancient Roman depictions of military leaders and gods, adapted over time to signify Christian figures who defend the faith. Consider the Greek goddess Athena, often depicted holding a spear, symbolizing wisdom and strategic warfare. This echoes in Christian iconography, where saints like Paul, the figure in this panel, hold swords. The sword evolves as a symbol, recurring in art and collective memory, reminding us of our struggles and virtues. The symbol isn't linear but cyclical, resurfacing and evolving, connecting us to the past.