Artwork
Sf. Apostol Marcu
Sf. Apostol Marcu is a drawing by Toma Poienaru. It is held in the collection of the Alba Iulia Orthodox Archdiocese. The work depicts a bearded figure dressed in a blue garment edged in red, positioned between two red columns.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a bearded figure dressed in a blue garment edged in red, positioned between two red columns. He raises his right hand with fingers splayed, while his left hand grasps a small book. A dark backdrop is punctuated by gold lettering above his head that reads “Marcu.” The composition relies on bold, flat color fields without gradations.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is identified by the inscription as “Marcu,” suggesting a portrayal of Saint Mark the Apostle. The gesture of the raised hand and the presence of a book are conventional attributes associated with the evangelist, indicating his role as a messenger and author of the Gospel.
Technique & Style
The painting employs a limited palette of deep blues, reds, and gold, applied in uniform planes that lack modeling or shading. The absence of cross‑hatching or line work emphasizes a flat, iconic quality, focusing attention on symbolic color and form rather than realistic depth.
History & Provenance
No specific details about the artwork’s date, creator, or ownership are provided. The use of gold lettering and the stylized rendering align it with traditions of religious iconography, though its precise origin remains undocumented.
Context
Within the broader tradition of Christian art, depictions of the four evangelists often include distinctive attributes: Mark is commonly shown with a lion and a book. This image follows the convention of presenting the saint with a text, while the simplified visual language reflects a didactic or devotional purpose.
Artist & collection
Artist
Toma Poienaru painted Christian religious scenes at a time when drawing and painting on paper were common for devotional prints.
