Bull of St. Luke, Basilica of St. Anthony, Padua, Italy c. 20th century

Editor: This is Kenneth John Conant's "Bull of St. Luke, Basilica of St. Anthony, Padua, Italy". It appears to be a sketch. I'm struck by the image of the winged bull. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The winged bull is a powerful symbol, deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern art and adopted into Christian iconography to represent St. Luke. It embodies strength and sacrifice. Consider how this visual shorthand carries cultural memory through millennia. Editor: So, it's not just a bull; it's a bull with a historical context? Curator: Precisely. The wings suggest transcendence, elevating the earthly bull to a divine messenger. What psychological impact might this composite figure have had on viewers? Editor: I hadn't considered the psychological impact. It’s a fusion of power and spirituality. Curator: Indeed. The bull as a symbol connects us to ancient cultural narratives.