John the Evangelist

The carved frontal figure of the Evangelist John is presented in a calm, focused pose. His figure is covered with a long, ample garment, the folds of which are modelled in a rather generalised manner, yet convey a sense of volume and movement. The evangelist’s chiton and the long cloak fastened at the chest are bordered along the contour with a narrow golden line, which imparts solemnity to the image. In his hands, the saint holds a book. The head is slightly turned towards the right shoulder; the elongated face is framed by wavy strands of short hair and a beard. The high forehead, eyes delineated with a clear contour line, and slightly covered by eyelids, all create an impression of concentration and spiritual composure. At the feet of the evangelist is represented one of the biblical tetramorphic beings surrounding the throne of God – the eagle, a symbol of the saint. The eagle symbolises the loftiness of theological thought and the ability of John the Theologian to perceive truth. The flat dark background, devoid of additional details, underscores the significance of the image itself, producing an effect of clarity and expressiveness. In its execution, simplicity and decorativeness are combined, with the main emphasis placed on the silhouette and the rhythm of the garment’s lines. The carving is not academic in precise anatomical rendering, yet it is imbued with spiritual content. Artistically, the relief depiction of the Evangelist John combines compositional stylisation with a subtle sense of expression conveyed through the soft, flowing lines of the draperies. The simplicity of the carving suggests its folk origin, which is consistent with its role as part of the furnishing of a sacred interior. The piece constitutes an interesting example of woodcarving, in which the sincerity of folk craftsmanship is united with the spiritual significance of the image.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery