Emblem of St. Luke (winged bull)

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This emblem of St Luke is one of the emblems of Four Evangelists. A winged living figure, most frequently encountered and long favored by early Christian artists, appears to have been used at a very early date. The four emblems are derived from the vision of Ezekiel and the Revelation of St John. According to the writings of St Jerome, in the beginning of the fifth century, artists were granted authority for appropriating the four creatures to the Evangelists, based on reasons laid out in detail. St Luke is represented by a winged bull, an animal associated with sacrifice, which fittingly symbolizes his sacred office and the atonement for sin through blood, as emphasized in his gospel. The remaining emblems of the Four Evangelists consist of St Matthew (winged man), St Mark (winged lion), and St John (the eagle). Beyond their association with the four evangelists, these figures occasionally refer to the Incarnation, the Passion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension. Medieval & Renaissance art is showcased in Room 64, The Wolfson Gallery, case WS.