Twelfth century copper-gilt plague from France, showing St Luke.
Copyright Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK, acc. no. M.208-1938.
St. Luke (Luke the Evangelist) is one of the four evangelists or authors of the canonical four gospels of Jesus Christ (The New Testament). He lived in the first century AD and originated from the city of Antioch, Syria. He became the patron saint of artists, embroiderers, painters, tapestry makers, weavers, among other professions. According to the Roman Catholic calendar, his feast day is 18th October.
St Luke wrote the Book of Luke (written to Theophilus) and the Book of Acts (or Acts of the Apostles). In representations he is often accompanied by a winged ox or bull, symbolising strength, service and sacrifice.
V&A online catalogue (retrieved 1 July 2016).
GVE
