Artwork
Cei patru evangheliști

Cei patru evangheliști is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Abraham Bolemart. It dates from 1594 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Art of Romania.
About this work
Overview
Cei patru evangheliști, painted by Abraham Bolemart in 1594, presents a group of four seated figures surrounded by a celestial entourage of angels and cherubs. Each figure holds a book and a quill, suggesting a scholarly or creative activity, while the surrounding light and shadow give the scene a three‑dimensional presence.
Subject & Meaning
The central quartet appears to embody the roles of writers or artists, as indicated by the presence of a palette and brush in the foreground. Their robes—one a blue tunic, another a white garment—differentiate the individuals, perhaps signifying distinct virtues or disciplines within the broader theme of evangelism or artistic inspiration.
Technique & Style
Bolemart employs chiaroscuro to model the figures against a predominantly dark backdrop, allowing a subtle illumination from the upper right to highlight the faces and objects. This contrast of light and shadow creates depth and emphasizes the tactile qualities of the books, quills, and painting tools, aligning the work with late‑Renaissance visual strategies.
History & Provenance
Created at the close of the sixteenth century, the painting reflects the period’s interest in merging religious iconography with emerging humanist ideas about the creative act. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is attributed to Bolemart based on stylistic analysis and the date inscribed on the canvas.
Artist & collection
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