Evangelist and painter of the Virgin · Saint Luke

Rogier van der Weyden, Zurbaran, Dirk Bouts and Guercino show Luke as evangelist, painter and witness of the Virgin, accompanied by the book or the winged ox.

Saint Luke is traditionally identified as the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. His story gives an important place to the childhood of Christ, the mercy and the role of Mary. A medieval and then resurgent tradition also makes him the first painter of the Virgin: Luke draws or paints his portrait while she poses with the Child. Rogier van der Weyden transforms this theme into an intimate and meticulous encounter, where the artist observes his model with respect. Dirk Bouts takes up the relationship between image, devotion and the painter's profession. Zurbaran represents Luke before Christ on the cross, in a luminous sobriety which emphasizes the witness. Guercino shows him presenting a Marian image. In evangelist ensembles, the winged ox, the book and sometimes the painting instruments allow it to be identified. The "Saint Luke" selection notably compares Saint Luke drawing the Virgin - Rogier van der Weyden and Saint Luke as a painter before Christ on the cross - Zurbaran. Its reading favors atmosphere.

Luke writes the history of salvation and, according to tradition, paints its face: pen, brush and gaze become three forms of testimony.