17th century school, "Saint Mark", oil on canvas.
97.5x74 cm
Saint Mark, one of the four evangelists, was a companion of Paul and Barnabas on their early missions, and later was in Rome with Paul. His attribute is a winged lion. He is often depicted with pen and inkwell, together with Peter with a book. It is believed that Mark went to Alexandria to preach the gospel there and became the first bishop of that city, where he is said to have been martyred. His alleged relics were transferred from Alexandria to Venice in the 9th century. In devotional subjects he holds the gospel in one hand while the doge, or some other Venetian dignitary, kneels before him; or he is depicted presenting them to the Virgin.
