In most of the standard medieval iconographic compositions, St. John the Evangelist is presented accompanied by the eagle. The eagle figure is presented presumably because his Gospel emphasizes aspects of Christ`s life that are related to “higher” level (like Ascension and Christ`s divine nature), and the eagle is the figure representing the sky and the higher inspiration. He is shown most of the times seated with a book or pen, writing the Gospel. In some occasions, only the figure of the eagle, as one of his attributes, is presented. St John is known as the author of the fourth Gospel in the New Testament. This Gospel is dedicated to the public ministry of Christ beginning with the witness and affirmation by John the Baptist and concludes with the death, burial, resurrection and post resurrection appearances of Christ. He was the youngest of the twelve Apostles and was also present at the Crucifixion of Christ. Tradition says that from this time on, the Virgin Mary lived with John in fulfillment of Christ`s words. After the Virgin Mary`s death, he traveled to Judea preaching the gospel with St. Peter. Later, he is said to have journeyed into Asia Minor, where he has founded the Seven Churches referred to in the Revelation. He is supposed to have died a natural death at Ephesus. Link to "St. John the Evangelist" set. Link to "The four Evangelists" collection. Manuscript title: Latin Gospel readings Origin: St. Gallen (Switzerland) Period: 15th century Image source: St. Gallen, Stiftsbibliothek, Cod. Sang. 368, p. 20 – Latin Gospel readings (www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/list/one/csg/0368)
