Virtual Manuscript Library of Switzerland
Evangelist portrait of St. Luke in an 11th century manuscript
In most of the standard medieval iconographic compositions, St. Luke the Evangelist is presented accompanied by an ox which sometimes is with wings. The ox figure is presented presumably because his Gospel emphasizes the priesthood of Christ, and the ox is the figure representing the sacrifice. He is shown most of the times seated with a book or pen, writing the Gospel. In some occasions, only the figure of the ox, as one of his attributes, is presented.
St. Luke is known as the author of the third and the longest of the four Gospels in the New Testament. This Gospel is dedicated to the life and ministry of Christ, focusing particularly on the events from his birth to his Ascension. Tradition says that St. Luke was a companion of the famed Apostle Paul and faithfully recorded the life of this great missionary. It is said that, after Apostle Paul`s death, he continued preaching alone and was crucified in Greece, although Greek tradition says he died peacefully. He was also known by the name of “the beloved physician” in reference to the medical profession, of which he was a practicing member.
Link to "St Luke the Evangelist" set.
Link to "The four Evangelists" collection.
Manuscript title: Liber aureus (Evangelistary)
Origin: St. Gallen (Switzerland)
Period: 11th century
Image source: St. Gallen, Stiftsarchiv (Abtei Pfäfers), Cod. Fab. 2, p. 8v – Liber aureus (Evangelistary) (www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/ssg/fab0002/8v)
Evangelist portrait of St. Luke in an 11th century manuscript
In most of the standard medieval iconographic compositions, St. Luke the Evangelist is presented accompanied by an ox which sometimes is with wings. The ox figure is presented presumably because his Gospel emphasizes the priesthood of Christ, and the ox is the figure representing the sacrifice. He is shown most of the times seated with a book or pen, writing the Gospel. In some occasions, only the figure of the ox, as one of his attributes, is presented.
St. Luke is known as the author of the third and the longest of the four Gospels in the New Testament. This Gospel is dedicated to the life and ministry of Christ, focusing particularly on the events from his birth to his Ascension. Tradition says that St. Luke was a companion of the famed Apostle Paul and faithfully recorded the life of this great missionary. It is said that, after Apostle Paul`s death, he continued preaching alone and was crucified in Greece, although Greek tradition says he died peacefully. He was also known by the name of “the beloved physician” in reference to the medical profession, of which he was a practicing member.
Link to "St Luke the Evangelist" set.
Link to "The four Evangelists" collection.
Manuscript title: Liber aureus (Evangelistary)
Origin: St. Gallen (Switzerland)
Period: 11th century
Image source: St. Gallen, Stiftsarchiv (Abtei Pfäfers), Cod. Fab. 2, p. 8v – Liber aureus (Evangelistary) (www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/ssg/fab0002/8v)