Evangelist Lucas 1630 - 1677

Adriaen Lommelin created this print of Evangelist Lucas in the Netherlands in the mid-17th century. The Evangelist is haloed and holds a scroll and quill, emblems of his authorship. Below him is a winged bull, which is his symbolic attribute. As you can see, Lucas is idealized in a heroic and classical style, reminiscent of ancient sculptures. Prints like this one were produced and circulated widely in 17th-century Europe, serving as devotional images and models for other artists. The Rijksmuseum, where this print resides, has an extensive collection of such works. To understand the print's visual codes and historical context, one might investigate theological literature and emblem books popular at the time. Such resources help us to consider how the image reinforces religious doctrine and participates in the institutions of art and belief. The meaning of art is always contingent on its historical, social, and institutional context.