Ecclesia Christi (Faith), from the series of Sibyls 1525 - 1535

Lucas van Leyden created this woodcut, titled Ecclesia Christi, depicting Faith, in the early 16th century. Here, Faith is embodied by a crowned sibyl holding a crucifix and a book displaying the symbols of the Evangelists. The Evangelists’ symbols are ancient, each carrying profound historical and cultural weight. The lion represents Mark, symbolizing courage and royalty. Luke is signified by the ox, an emblem of sacrifice and service, while John takes the form of an eagle, soaring to divine heights of spiritual insight. Matthew, originally depicted as a winged man, now sometimes as an angel, signifies Christ’s human nature and reason. Consider the recurrence of animal symbolism throughout history; from ancient Egyptian deities to medieval bestiaries. The shift from human to angel for Matthew reveals a continuous evolution and reinterpretation of symbols. Such transformations speak to our collective, subconscious need to understand and represent abstract concepts through tangible forms. These forms engage us on an emotional level, subtly directing our understanding of faith. Indeed, these symbols reveal how images evolve, are internalized, and are reborn through time.