The Evangelist St. John writing on the island of Patmos, with his symbol the eagle; the Evangelist St. Matthew writing, with his symbol the angel; the Evangelist St. Mark sharpening his quill, with his symbol the lion; the Evangelist St. Luke sharpening his quill, with his symbol the ox

The Evangelist St. Matthew is one of the four authors of the Gospels in the New Testament often depicted in Christian art with his symbol, the angel. St. Matthew is typically depicted as a bearded man, writing or holding a book, with an angel nearby. The angel symbolizes the divine inspiration that guided St. Matthew as he wrote his Gospel.

St. Mark was a disciple of St. Peter and is believed to have accompanied him on his missionary journeys. According to tradition, he was the first bishop of Alexandria and was martyred for his faith. He is remembered for his contribution to the spreading of the Christian message and is honored as one of the Four Evangelists.

The depiction of St. Mark with his symbol the lion is a popular subject in Christian art, St. Mark is often shown holding a book or scroll, representing the Gospel of Mark, with the lion at his side.

John was banished to Patmos by the Roman authorities during the reign of the emperor Domitian, where he wrote the book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. In works of art, St. John is often shown holding a book or scroll, symbolizing the text of Revelation, or with a quill pen, signifying his role as an author.

In artistic depictions, St. Luke is often shown holding an ox or with an ox nearby, as a symbol of his association with the Gospel of Luke and his devotion to Jesus and the Holy Family. The image of St. Luke with an ox is a reminder of the importance of sacrifice, devotion, and compassion in the Christian life.