Evangelist Lucas 1682

Valentin Lefebvre created this print, 'Evangelist Lucas', sometime between 1642 and 1682. It depicts the Evangelist Lucas, holding a book and sitting on a bull, surrounded by clouds. During the 17th century, depictions of religious figures were often used to reinforce religious doctrine and moral values, reflecting the power and influence of the Church. Lefebvre, however, was operating within a changing Europe, one where traditional religious authority was beginning to be questioned and new scientific and philosophical ideas were emerging. The choice of the bull as Lucas's attribute is not arbitrary; it symbolizes sacrifice, service, and strength, qualities associated with the Evangelist's work. By depicting Lucas with the bull, Lefebvre participates in a long tradition of linking saints with specific symbols that communicate aspects of their identity and role within the Christian narrative. Consider how the artist blends traditional religious iconography with the emerging intellectual currents of his time, inviting viewers to reflect on the relationship between faith, knowledge, and the changing world.