Icones historicae Veteris et Novi Testament 1681

This woodcut of Saint John the Evangelist, crafted by Bernard Salomon in the 16th century, presents a compelling vision of divine inspiration. Dominating the scene, John is portrayed with his traditional attribute, the eagle, symbolizing his lofty spiritual insight. Note how the Evangelist is not just writing; he’s receiving divine messages, a motif that appears through different eras. The halos, the divine figure above, and the act of writing draw parallels to ancient depictions of muses inspiring poets. This iconography has roots in classical antiquity, where the muse embodies artistic inspiration and memory, a concept that evolved, as seen here, in the religious art of the Renaissance. Such images tap into our collective memory, evoking a profound sense of spiritual connection. It is this non-linear journey of symbols and motifs, constantly evolving and adapting, that reveals the enduring power of images across time.