Lucas de evangelist 1601 - 1636

François van den Hoeye's engraving portrays the Evangelist Luke accompanied by a striking symbol: the winged bull. In early Christian iconography, the bull represents Luke's Gospel, traditionally associated with sacrifice, service, and strength. The Gospel of Luke begins with the priest Zacharias, who would have offered sacrifices of bulls. Look how the bull isn’t just a passive emblem, it is an active participant, standing close to Luke. This pairing echoes ancient pagan imagery, where animals were often linked with deities, embodying their attributes and powers. This visual language transcends its immediate religious context. From the Egyptian Apis bull to the Cretan Minotaur, the bull embodies primal forces of nature and instinct. Over time, this symbol has transformed, echoing through cultural memory, resurfacing in new guises, and reminding us of the enduring power of archetypes in the human psyche. The image engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of reverence and awe.