Why are the four Evangelists depicted as animals?

If you have ever walked through the halls of a historic church, leafed through illuminated manuscripts, or admired stained glass windows, you might have noticed the four Gospel writers—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—depicted alongside animals or mystical creatures. This visual tradition is not merely artistic whimsy; it is steeped in centuries of theological symbolism, biblical interpretation, and ecclesiastical art. But why are the four Evangelists so often associated with animals, and what do these symbols mean?

The Origin of the Symbolism

The tradition of representing the four Evangelists as animals or winged creatures traces its roots to the Bible itself, particularly to the visions found in the books of Ezekiel and Revelation. In Ezekiel 1:5-10, the prophet describes a vision of four living creatures, each with four faces: a man, a lion, an ox (or calf), and an eagle.

Similarly, the book of Revelation 4:6-8 describes four living beings around God’s throne, resembling a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. Early Christian theologians, such as St. Jerome and St. Irenaeus, connected these four creatures with the four Gospels and their authors, assigning to each a specific symbol that would become a hallmark of Christian iconography.

The Evangelists and Their Animal Symbols

Each of the four Evangelists is paired with one of the symbolic creatures, and this association is now standard in Christian art:

• Matthew: Depicted as a winged man or angel
• Mark: Depicted as a lion
• Luke: Depicted as an ox or a calf
• John: Depicted as an eagle

These symbols are not arbitrary but are rooted in the theological themes and literary features of each Gospel.

Matthew: The Winged Man or Angel

Matthew’s Gospel opens with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ human ancestry, emphasizing Christ’s incarnation and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The winged man or angel symbolizes humanity and reason, underscoring Matthew’s focus on Jesus’ human nature and his role as the promised Messiah. The wings indicate divine inspiration, reminding believers that this is not just a human story, but a divinely inspired account.

Mark: The Lion

Mark’s Gospel begins with John the Baptist—“a voice crying out in the wilderness.” The lion, often seen as a symbol of courage and royalty, fits this Gospel’s energetic and bold style. Mark emphasizes the power and authority of Jesus, as well as his role as the suffering yet triumphant King. The lion’s roar in the wilderness is seen as a metaphor for John’s prophetic voice and for Christ’s kingly character.

Luke: The Ox or Calf

Luke’s Gospel opens with the temple sacrifices and priestly activity, themes that run through his narrative. The ox, a symbol of sacrifice, service, and strength, is therefore associated with Luke. The ox’s connection to temple ritual highlights the aspects of Jesus’ ministry that focus on compassion, service, and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity. The ox’s presence reminds readers of the Gospel’s emphasis on the marginalized and the call to serve others.

John: The Eagle

John’s Gospel is distinct for its lofty, poetic language and focus on the divinity of Christ. The eagle, which soars high above and is believed to gaze directly into the sun, symbolizes the theological heights and spiritual insight found in John’s account. The eagle is a fitting emblem for the Gospel that begins with “In the beginning was the Word,” focusing on Jesus’ divine nature and heavenly origin.

Theological and Artistic Significance

The depiction of the Evangelists as animals helped connect the Gospels to biblical visions and also conveyed the unique character and message of each Gospel. In medieval and Renaissance art, these symbols made the Evangelists instantly recognizable, even to those who could not read. Manuscripts, mosaics, and cathedral facades often feature these four creatures, sometimes with the Evangelists themselves, sometimes as stand-alone symbols surrounding Christ or the throne of God.