Vier Evangelisten 1765 - 1770

Johann Esaias Nilson’s "Vier Evangelisten" presents us with a composition of figures rendered in delicate lines and subtle gradations of tone, a masterclass in engraving. The formal structure divides the image into two distinct zones: a terrestrial architectural base, which provides an inscription, and an ethereal upper region. Here, the evangelists are depicted amidst billowing clouds, accompanied by symbolic creatures. Nilson uses line and form to create a sense of depth and movement. The figures are modeled with meticulous cross-hatching, giving them volume, while the surrounding clouds are rendered with a lighter touch, suggesting their transient nature. This division between the earthly and the divine reflects a broader cultural preoccupation with transcendence. By placing the evangelists in the heavens, Nilson elevates them to a realm of spiritual authority. The text serves as a material signifier of their teachings, grounding the image in a tangible reality. The formal choices in "Vier Evangelisten" thus invite us to contemplate the interplay between the human and the divine.