St. Luke 1490

Domenico Ghirlandaio painted St. Luke in Santa Maria Novella in Florence, although the exact date is unknown. The evangelist is depicted alongside his symbolic animal, the ox. Since ancient times, the ox has been associated with sacrifice, service, and strength, qualities linked to Saint Luke’s Gospel, which begins with the priest Zechariah offering sacrifice in the temple. This linking of saints with animals is not unique. We see similar representations, like Saint Mark with the lion or Saint John with the eagle, symbols that recur and evolve across cultures. The act of writing itself, captured here, echoes through history, symbolizing the transmission of knowledge, laws, and beliefs. Writing and the posture of thoughtful reflection can be seen in depictions of philosophers, scribes, and prophets across different eras. These symbols are not static; they evolve, taking on new layers of meaning, reflecting the shifting cultural landscape and engaging our collective memory. The act of artistic creation becomes a powerful dialogue between the past and present, resonating within our subconscious and inviting us to delve deeper into the shared human experience.