Answer
A tetramorph is a symbolic representation of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John through the imagery of four creatures: Matthew is pictured as a man, Mark as a lion, Luke as an ox, and John as an eagle. This representation is derived from prophetic visions in Ezekiel and Revelation. The word tetramorph comes from a Greek word meaning “of four shapes.” Tetramorphs have significance in Christian art and iconography.
The concept of the tetramorph originates in Ezekiel 1:4–10. There, the prophet has a vision of four living creatures, each having four faces. “Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle” (Ezekiel 1:10). These creatures are called cherubim in Ezekiel 10. They are depicted as bearing divine messages and embodying God’s presence.
A somewhat similar vision appears in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 4:6–8, John the apostle describes four living creatures surrounding the throne of God. The four creatures resemble a man, lion, ox, and an eagle—the same symbols Ezekiel saw. These living creatures continually worship God and proclaim His holiness.
The tetramorphs have been traditionally associated with the four Gospel writers:
• The human figure symbolizes Matthew, whose Gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew thus emphasizes the humanity of Christ and His connection to mankind. The man in the tetramorph also symbolizes reason and intelligence, qualities that Matthew’s Gospel conveys through detailed teachings and discourses of Jesus.
• The lion in the tetramorph symbolizes Mark, whose Gospel begins with John the Baptist “roaring” in the wilderness and portrays Jesus as a courageous and powerful figure. The lion symbolizes royalty and strength, qualities evident in Mark’s portrayal of Jesus’ authority and miracles.
• The ox, a sacrificial animal, symbolizes Luke. Luke’s Gospel opens with the priestly duties of Zechariah and focuses on the sacrificial aspects of Jesus’ life and death. The ox (or bull) in the tetramorph symbolizes service and sacrifice, mirroring Luke’s emphasis on Jesus’ role as the Savior of all, including the marginalized and the poor.
• The eagle in the tetramorph symbolizes John, whose Gospel soars to theological heights, especially on the divinity of Christ. The eagle, known for its ability to fly high and its keen gaze, symbolizes spiritual insight and the divine nature of Jesus. Both themes are central to John’s Gospel.
The association of a man, lion, ox, and eagle with the four Gospel writers goes back to Irenaeus of Lyon, who believed the creatures were symbolic representations of the Gospel writers. Over the centuries, the practice of using tetramorphs became widely accepted in Christian art and iconography. By the Middle Ages, the tetramorph was a common motif in illuminated manuscripts, church sculptures, stained glass windows, and other religious artworks. The tetramorph was not only a visual representation of the Gospel writers but was also a didactic tool to teach believers about the distinct yet harmonious messages of the four Gospels.• The lion in the tetramorph symbolizes Mark, whose Gospel begins with John the Baptist “roaring” in the wilderness and portrays Jesus as a courageous and powerful figure. The lion symbolizes royalty and strength, qualities evident in Mark’s portrayal of Jesus’ authority and miracles.
• The ox, a sacrificial animal, symbolizes Luke. Luke’s Gospel opens with the priestly duties of Zechariah and focuses on the sacrificial aspects of Jesus’ life and death. The ox (or bull) in the tetramorph symbolizes service and sacrifice, mirroring Luke’s emphasis on Jesus’ role as the Savior of all, including the marginalized and the poor.
• The eagle in the tetramorph symbolizes John, whose Gospel soars to theological heights, especially on the divinity of Christ. The eagle, known for its ability to fly high and its keen gaze, symbolizes spiritual insight and the divine nature of Jesus. Both themes are central to John’s Gospel.
A famous example of the tetramorph is found in the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from the ninth century. Gothic cathedrals, such as Chartres and Notre Dame, contain tetramorphs adorning the façades and stained-glass windows. In St. Mark’s Square in Venice is a winged lion atop a granite column. On the pinnacle of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice is a statue of Mark; beneath him is a winged lion holding an open Bible.
The tetramorph is an enduring symbol in Christian art, and modern students of religion should recognize it as representing the four Gospel writers.
