Luke the Evangelist

Theodoric of Prague painted this image of Luke the Evangelist as part of the monumental decorative cycle for the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Karlštejn Castle, commissioned by Emperor Charles IV around 1360. Luke, traditionally regarded as the first painter of icons of the Virgin, held special significance in artistic circles, and his inclusion honored the tradition of sacred image-making. The Karlštejn cycle, comprising over 130 panels, represents the pinnacle of Bohemian Gothic painting.

Tempera on panel with Theodoric's distinctive approach of massive, voluminous figures that seem to press forward from the picture plane. The Evangelist's face is modeled with bold, almost sculptural chiaroscuro, and the broad handling of paint gives the figure a physical presence unusual for the period.