Who painted The Four Evangelists: St. Mark?

The Four Evangelists: St. Mark was painted by Unknown in 1518.

Where can I see The Four Evangelists: St. Mark?

The Four Evangelists: St. Mark is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Four Evangelists: St. Mark?

The Four Evangelists: St. Mark is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Four Evangelists: St. Mark

Unknown , 1518

The Four Evangelists: St. Mark is a print by the Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1518 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work is a black‑and‑white print depicting the evangelist Mark as a bearded figure seated upon a lion.

About this work

Overview

The work is a black‑and‑white print depicting the evangelist Mark as a bearded figure seated upon a lion. Both figures appear to float amid clouds, with radiant sunbeams emanating from behind the saint. Mark holds a book in one hand while resting his chin on the other, and the lion gazes upward with a tranquil expression.

Subject & Meaning

The composition identifies Mark through his traditional attribute, the lion, symbolizing his gospel’s themes of courage and royalty. The open book signifies his role as author of one of the four canonical gospels, while the celestial setting suggests divine inspiration and the transmission of sacred text.

Technique & Style

The print employs strong chiaroscuro, using deep shadows and bold outlines to separate forms from the luminous background. This contrast of light and dark, characteristic of Renaissance printmaking, enhances the three‑dimensionality of the figures and emphasizes the dramatic emergence of light behind the saint.

History & Provenance

Created as a print during the Renaissance period, the piece reflects the era’s fascination with religious iconography rendered in graphic media. Specific details about its maker, date, or ownership history are not provided in the source material.

Context

Renaissance artists frequently explored the interplay of light and shadow to convey spiritual illumination. Prints such as this one served both devotional and instructional purposes, making biblical narratives accessible to a broader audience beyond painted altarpieces.