Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist

Saint Luke Painting the Virgin, by Giorgio Vasari, 1565, Fresco © Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, Florence

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 18 October 2024
Luke 10:1-9

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, 'The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, "Peace to this house!" And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, "The kingdom of God is very near to you."'

Reflection on the Fresco Painting

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist, writer of the one of the four Gospels writers and the Acts of the Apostles. Born in Antioch, a city in modern-day Turkey, he was believed to be a physician by profession, according to early Christian tradition. Luke was not one of the original twelve apostles but was a close companion of Saint Paul, accompanying him on several missionary journeys. His Gospel offers a unique perspective, emphasising the universality of Christ's message. Luke portrays Jesus as the Saviour for all people, not just the Jewish nation. This inclusivity is seen in his attention to Gentiles, outcasts, the marginalised, and the poor, highlighting themes of compassion and social justice. For example, the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, unique to Luke, emphasise mercy, forgiveness, and love for one's neighbour, regardless of status or background. Luke is thought to have died at an old age in Greece, around 84 AD.

Saint Luke is also the patron saint of artists, a title largely attributed to the ancient tradition that he was an artist himself. According to legend, Luke painted several portraits of the Virgin Mary and Christ, which contributed to his association with the visual arts. While there is no definitive historical evidence of his artistic work, this tradition endured throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, and Luke became closely linked with the practice of sacred art. His detailed and vivid descriptions in the Gospel, are indeed rendered like an artist applying paint onto a canvas, capturing a beautiful picture of Christ and his message. The emotional depth of his subjects, further reinforces a connection to the creative arts. As a result, Saint Luke has been revered by artists as a model of inspiration and dedication to the beauty of the divine through both word and image.

In the Eastern Church, Saint Luke is especially revered as the original iconographer, credited with 'writing' the first icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, many artists have depicted this scene by showing Saint Luke seated before an easel, painting a portrait of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. In our painting by Giorgio Vasari, Saint Luke is portrayed creating this sacred image, accompanied by a winged ox. The ox symbolises the sacrificial nature of Christ's ministry, while the wings signify the spread of the Gospel across the world. This fresco is found in the Chapel of Saint Luke at the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata in Florence, a resting place for many renowned artists, including Benvenuto Cellini and Pontormo.

Our artist, Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574), was an Italian painter, architect, and writer, best known for his work Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, which is considered the foundation of art historical writing. He was instrumental in shaping the Renaissance's view of its own artistic achievements, providing detailed biographies of key figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and his work helped establish the idea of the artist as a creative genius.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-10-1-9-2024-2/