Evangelist Mattheüs / Evangelist Marcus c. 1595 - 1654

These engravings of the Evangelists Matthew and Mark were made by Zacharias Dolendo in the late 16th or early 17th century, during a time of great religious and political upheaval in Europe. The figures are depicted in their traditional roles as authors of the Gospels, their likeness and association to specific animals derived from the Book of Ezekiel. Matthew, accompanied by an angel, is shown with focused intensity, quill in hand, deeply immersed in his writing. In contrast, Mark seems to be looking down at the Lion in a box under the desk with compassion. During this time, religious identity was closely tied to political power, and the rise of Protestantism challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. These images reflect the cultural and religious values of the time, while also revealing the personal and emotional dimensions of faith and devotion. They invite us to reflect on the complex interplay between identity, belief, and representation in a world undergoing profound transformation.