This plaque is part of a set of four showing the Four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) which probably came from a larger object such as a crystal altar cross, now lost. St John was the author of one of the Gospels and is often represented as an eagle. On this plaque he is shown seated in the wilderness with an eagle. A winged eagle, the creature that dwells closest to heaven, symbolizes St. John, because of his visions and the heavenly opening of his Gospel.
The association of the four Evangelists with living creatures comes from the books of Ezekiel and Revelation. In the book of Revelation, St John sees four creatures surrounding the throne of Heaven: "...and round about the throne were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast was like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle."
Physical description
Circular silver plaque embossed with a relief figure of St John. A small pin protrudes from the back.
Place of Origin
Salamanca, Spain (made)
Date
ca. 1550 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Embossed silver
Marks and inscriptions
S.? above an ox
Dimensions
Diameter: 3.50 cm, Height: 1.50 cm
Object history note
This set of plaques comes from a larger object, possibly a crystal altar cross.
Historical context note
Saints and Symbols
Like most religions, Christianity has a rich language of images and symbols. This iconography would have been clearly understood in the past but it may be less familiar to modern eyes.
Though often decorative, the symbols used on religious metalwork also refer to the function and significance of the objects. The contemplation of religious motifs can draw believers into a deeper understanding of their faith. Complex theological themes can be represented in a visual form. A chalice, for example, might be adorned with the tools used in the Crucifixion (the 'Instruments of the Passion') to direct the viewer's mind towards Christ's sacrifice and his death on the cross.
The use of images has caused controversy throughout Christian history. While supporters held that imagery glorified God and helped believers understand their faith better, critics attacked its use as superstition and idolatry.
Saints
Christians venerate saints as men and women who, through the holiness of their lives, became especially close to God. The saints include martyrs who suffered and died for their faith as well as great teachers and preachers. Their lives provide an example and inspiration for the faithful. Roman Catholics also believe that saints can intercede on their behalf with God. In Christian iconography, saints are usually depicted with a distinctive object or 'attribute' associated with their martyrdom or works. For example, St Bartholomew, who was skinned alive, holds a flaying knife, and St George is shown with a dragon.
Descriptive line
Silver plaque showing St John, Spain, around 1550.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
The Golden Age of Hispanic Silver: 1400-1660, Charles Oman, HMSO, 1968.
Exhibition History
Saints and Symbols (Sacred Silver and Stained Glass Galleries, the Victoria and Albert Museum 22/11/2005-22/11/2005)
Labels and date
Plaque Showing St John
This plaque is part of a set showing the four Evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - who wrote the Gospels. It probably came from a larger object such as a crystal altar cross, now lost.
St John is shown seated in the wilderness with an eagle. He is often represented by a winged eagle, the creature that dwells closest to heaven, because of his visions and the heavenly opening of his Gospel.
The association of the four Evangelists with living creatures comes from the books of Ezekiel and Revelation. In Revelation, St John sees four creatures surrounding the throne of heaven: 'and round about the throne were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast was like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.'
Salamanca, Spain, about 1550
Silver
Museum nos. 26-1866 [22/11/2005]
Materials
Silver
Techniques
Embossing
Subjects depicted
St. John the Evangelist
Categories
Metalwork; Religion; Christianity
Collection code
MET
