The Four Evangelists, c. 1560
Oil on oak
Dimensions without frame81 × 129 cm
Dimensions with frame110 × 157,8 cm
Status
on display, room 003 About the workIn this painting, the artist positions the four Evangelists unusually close to the edge of the picture frame. As a result, the viewers are placed in the heart of the action, with the glances of the Evangelists pulling them simultaneously further into the scene. However, the glances also imply that the viewer is intruding. The saints who chronicle the work of Jesus Christ in the Bible are in a closed circle. The fact that a pivotal moment is being depicted is not only reflected by the pen and ink, but also by the dove, which represents divine inspiration. The saints are accompanied by their attributes, the traditional symbols by which they are recognised.
AccessionGift of Dr. M. J. Binder 1947
Provenance[...]; 1947 erworben durch Schenkung aus dem Nachlass Dr. Moritz Julius Binder (1877-1947), Berlin
Inventory numberM 173