Tetramorph

Definition and Origins

A tetramorph is a winged creature from the vision of the prophet Ezekiel (6th century BC) with four faces: a man, a lion on the right side, a bull, and an eagle on the left side. This concept has its roots in Judeo-Christian theology and is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

Description in Scripture

In the Book of Ezekiel, the tetramorph is described as a vision of four living creatures with four faces each:

> And I saw, behold, the mighty wind was shining out of the North, a great cloud and a fire enfolding itself, and brightness was about it, and from the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures... (Ezekiel 1:4)

Interpretation in Theology

In Kabbalah, these creatures are referred to as "hayot ha-kodesh" (holy animals). They are also associated with the concept of the Mysterious Chariot and the four archetypes that form the facial features of each person.

Christian Iconography

Later in Christian teaching, the tetramorph was interpreted as a symbol of the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each evangelist is associated with one of the four faces:

* Matthew is often depicted with an angel
* Mark is associated with the lion
* St. John is associated with the eagle
* The bull or calf is sometimes linked to Luke

Iconography and Symbolism

The tetramorph has become a traditional symbolic image in Christian iconography, representing the four evangelists and their respective Gospels. Each figure is often depicted as a winged creature with four faces, holding its Gospel.

References

* Book of Ezekiel
* Book of Revelation
* Book of Zohar (Kabbalistic text)
* Christian theology and iconography