17th-century Florentine School - Saint John The Evangelist

Florentine School, 17th Century - Saint John the Evangelist. Oil on canvas. 80 x 109 cm. This painting, entitled "Saint John the Evangelist," is an oil on canvas attributed to the Florentine School of the 17th century. It depicts the Apostle John at his writing desk, writing the Gospel, accompanied by his traditional attribute, the eagle. Details of the work: Title: Saint John the Evangelist (San Juan Evangelista). Artist/School: Florentine School, active in the 17th century. Some sources also associate it with the artist Giovanni Francesco Nagli, known as "il Centino." Technique: Oil on canvas. Description: The image depicts the young John holding a quill and an open book, with an eagle visible in the background. The text of the open book refers to the beginning of the Gospel (“In the beginning was the Word…”). Context of the figure: Saint John is traditionally depicted as the youngest of the apostles and is considered the author of the fourth Gospel, three charters, and the Book of Revelation. His feast day is celebrated on December 27. In Baroque art, he is frequently shown in a state of contemplation or divine inspiration, as at the time of its writing.