The Four Evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

Basic Info

Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the saints understood to have written the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life. The Greek roots of the word evangelist mean “one who brings good news.” The roots of the word gospel also mean “good news” or “good message.” In the art tradition, the Evangelists have been symbolized or depicted since the earliest days of Christian art. They have often been depicted as men either holding scrolls or books or sitting at a desk and writing.

By the 4^th century, a practice had arisen to symbolize the Evangelists with the images of winged creatures in Ezekiel (1:4–10) and the Revelation to John (4:6–7):

• Matthew—a winged man—emphasis on Jesus’ humanity
• Mark—a winged lion—emphasis on Jesus’ kingship
• Luke—a winged ox or bull—emphasis on Jesus’ sacrifice
• John—an eagle—transcends or flies above all of the others philosophically

Throughout Christian history, the Evangelists have often been depicted with characteristics unique to them. Matthew the Evangelist is identified with Matthew the Apostle, a former tax collector (i.e., a sinner in those days), so he is sometimes depicted counting money. He was martyred. Mark was also martyred and is thought to have been Bishop of Alexandria, so he is sometimes shown in bishops’ garb. Luke is thought to have been a Greek physician who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. A legend sprang up that he was a painter who created a portrait of Mary holding the Child Jesus. John is understood as the Apostle John, the youngest of the Apostles. In scenes from the Gospels, he is often depicted as looking young and beardless, which sometimes resulted in his looking fairly effeminate. 

Historical Notes

The Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches have long had formal procedures for identifying saints after they are dead. The Protestant reformers thought that devotion to the saints had become idolatrous by the beginning of the 16^thcentury, so most of them limited the number of recognized saints. The Evangelists are accepted as saints in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and most Protestant denominations.

What to Look For

Sometimes the Evangelists are depicted as men, other times indicated by their winged symbols. This list applies to both. Look at the artwork for evidence of the following:

• The Evangelist’s attention, focus, or gaze
• Whether there is an angel depicted
• The relationship between the Evangelist and anyone else present
• The characteristics of the symbolic winged man or animal
• The Evangelist’s attitude
• A pattern in the relationships if all 4 Evangelists are referenced in the same artwork
• Other aspects of the Evangelists’ lives (for example, Luke painting)

Questions to Focus a General Interpretation

The Evangelists are best known for sharing the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection. How does the artist depict the Saint’s relationship to God, revelation (perhaps in the form of an angel), or faith?

Does the artwork seem to encourage viewers to imitate the Evangelist in any way?

Does the winged symbol seem to suggest characteristics beyond the simple explanations offered above? 

Questions to Guide a Personal Interpretation

Does the artwork encourage you to share the Good News (however it manifests in your life) with others?

Questions to Suggest a Historical Interpretation

What was going on in the artist’s time and place with regard to spreading the Good News? Did everyone already know the Gospels pretty well, or did a lot of people still need to hear the news? How does the artwork respond to that situation?