St. Luke – Evangelist, Physician, and Artist
“St. Luke” by James Tissot (1886-1894), Brooklyn Museum (Accession No. 00.159.207), (PD)
St. Luke is the author of one of the canonical gospels, as well as the Book of Acts [1A]. Many consider Luke’s gospel, which focuses on social justice and the poor, the most poetic of the four.
Background
It is widely accepted that St. Luke was a Gentile convert to Christianity, addressing a Gentile audience [1B]. Christian tradition has it that he wrote his gospel in Greece.
St. Luke is thought to have been unmarried, and to have lived originally in Antioch [1C]. DNA testing on what tradition holds to be St. Luke’s body in the Basilica of Santa Giustina in Padua has revealed that he was of Syrian ancestry [1D][2]. He was martyred in Thebes.
Medicine
A faithful companion to the Apostle Paul, Luke is described by the Epistle to the Colossians as a physician, and believed by many scholars to have practiced medicine.
Art
Medieval tradition held that Luke was, also, an artist — the first icon painter.
A number of paintings of the mother of Christ are popularly attributed to Luke. These include the Black Madonna of Częstochowa and Madonna del Rosario a/k/a Maria Advocata or Advocata Nostra, said to be the first depiction of the Virgin Mary [3][4][5].
“Madonna del Rosario” a/k/a “Maria Advocata” or “Advocata Nostra” (c. 6th Century or earlier), Author Asia (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)
Patron Saint
The Catholic Church and other major Christian denominations venerate St. Luke. His symbol is the winged ox, representing the sacrificial aspect of Christ’s ministry and the spread of the gospel throughout the world.
St. Luke is the viewed as the patron saint of physicians/surgeons, medical students, artists/painters/sculptors, crafts workers, lacemakers, bachelors, and butchers [6].
His feast day is celebrated on October 18.
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[1A and 1B] Wikipedia, “Luke the Evangelist”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist#As_an_artist.
[2] Britannica, “Where is St. Luke buried?”, https://www.britannica.com/question/Where-is-St-Luke-buried.
[3] Wikipedia, “Black Madonna of Cęstochowa”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Madonna_of_Cz%C4%99stochowa.
[4] Wikipedia, “Maria Advocata (Madonna del Rosario)”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Advocata_(Madonna_del_Rosario).
[5] The Marian Room, “A Hidden Icon of Mary, The Advocata Nostra” by Patrician Enk, 6/9/20, https://themarianroom.com/a-hidden-icon-of-mary-the-advocata-nostra/.
[6] Saint Luke Catholic Church, “Our Patron, Saint Luke”, https://slparish.com/history-of-our-patron-st-luke.
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I’m fascinated by Luke the physician and historian. His intro gives credibility to his account, even though he was not present for the events. He tells them in such detail – even details he wouldn’t know unless he had interviewed eyewitnesses, such as what Mary, who must have told him what she was thinking and feeling as she “kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” – I love how Luke tells the stories of so many women. ❤
I agree that Luke’s gospel is rich in detail. He undoubtedly interviewed many witnesses, Mary included. ❤
Interesting read Anna,
I did not know they did DNA testing on the possible Luke.
I like the artwork of James Tissot, his religious paintings seem to be of one color scheme, muted earthy tones..
I like Tissot, also, Mary.
Ein sehr interessanter und gut recherchierter Bericht. Vielen Dank. LG Marie
Ich freue mich, dass du es interessant fandest, Marie. Bevor ich diesen Beitrag recherchierte, hatte ich keine Ahnung, dass man den Heiligen Lukas für einen Künstler hielt. LG, A. ❤