Description
The Four Evangelists is one of the masterpieces of the famous Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. The painting is a stunning example of the Flemish Baroque style, characterized by its drama, richness and exuberance.
The composition of the painting is very interesting, as it presents the four evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - in a single frame. Each one is represented with its corresponding symbol: the angel for Matthew, the lion for Mark, the bull for Luke and the eagle for John. The central figure of the painting is Christ, who holds an open book and blesses the evangelists.
Color is also a prominent aspect of the painting. Rubens uses a rich and vibrant palette, with intense shades of red, blue, yellow, and green. The colors are combined in a harmonious and balanced way, creating a sensation of movement and depth.
The story behind the painting is fascinating. It was commissioned by the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Mechelen, Belgium, in 1611. Rubens is said to have worked on the painting for several years, even having to redo some parts after the church expressed dissatisfaction with the initial work.
A little-known aspect of the painting is that it is actually a copy of an earlier work by Rubens. The first version of the painting was lost in a fire in 1713, and the current version is a copy made by Rubens' student Erasmus Quellinus in 1640.
In short, The Four Evangelists is an impressive work that stands out for its Flemish Baroque style, its complex composition, its vibrant use of color, and its fascinating history. It is one of Rubens' most important works and a leading example of 17th-century religious art.