Evangelist Johannes 1578

This engraving of the Evangelist John by Abraham de Bruyn presents a rich tableau of symbols resonant with historical and cultural meanings. John is depicted with his traditional attribute, the eagle, symbolizing keen vision and spiritual insight. The eagle, a solar symbol since antiquity, appears in different contexts as a symbol of power, like the Roman Aquila. Observe how this once pagan symbol evolved, becoming associated with John, the Evangelist who soars to the divine through his Gospel. In the upper part, we can see an apocalyptic vision with a multi-headed beast, an angel, and a lion. These symbols from the Book of Revelation are not unique. The lion appears in Mesopotamian art. It's a powerful image that evokes a sense of awe and mystery, engaging our collective subconscious. Notice the cyclical progression of these symbols—surfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across different historical contexts. This reflects a deep cultural memory and the continuous evolution of visual language.