Johannes de evangelist 1649 - 1681

François Spierre created this engraving of ‘Johannes de evangelist’ in the 17th century. During this time, depictions of religious figures often reflected the power structures of the church and state. Here, John is portrayed with youthful, almost feminine features, his gaze cast downward in a gesture of humility and contemplation. This idealization can be interpreted through the lens of gender and power dynamics. By feminizing John, Spierre may have been subtly reinforcing the church's authority, presenting obedience and piety as inherently feminine virtues. Moreover, consider the role of the eagle, John's traditional attribute. It symbolizes divine inspiration, yet its presence also underscores John's subordinate role as a mere vessel for divine messages. Spierre’s composition subtly encourages us to consider how these representations shape our understanding of religious figures. The artwork invites us to reflect on the emotional and psychological dimensions of faith.