Emblems of Saints Luke and John 1863

Curator: This is Philip Webb’s design, "Emblems of Saints Luke and John," currently held in the Tate Collections. It appears to be a preparatory sketch for stained glass. Editor: The stark contrast immediately evokes the solemnity associated with religious iconography; the composition feels both imposing and ethereal. Curator: It's interesting to see how Webb, who was a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, engages with traditional religious symbolism. The ox and eagle, representing Luke and John respectively, are rendered with a deliberate medievalist style. Editor: And that stylistic choice informs my reading of the piece. It speaks to the labor involved, the tangible process of translating spiritual concepts into physical form, and the consumption of those images within a religious context. Curator: Absolutely, and it also raises questions about Webb's own relationship with faith, and how he navigates the intersection of artistic expression and religious tradition. How can we understand these symbols in relation to broader narratives of power and belief? Editor: It highlights the material and social conditions under which religious art is produced and consumed. Curator: A fascinating piece that invites us to consider the intersections of art, craft, and cultural identity. Editor: Indeed. A testament to how artistic choices mediate our understanding of faith and labor.