Early Medieval relief

This ivory relief was likely a decorated gospel cover of Mark. It shows Mark at his desk with his gospel symbol, the lion, over him. During medieval times animals were very important to people. Evidence of this is given in art and the fact that each gospel writer had his own animal. Mark was the lion, Luke an ox, and John's symbol was the eagle. Matthew was the only gospel writer without an animal symbol, he was shown as an angel. King Richard also had an animal associated nickname, which was King Richard the Lionhearted. During this time period it is clear that animals were highly regarded since they were worthy of being associated with kings and saints. Animals held symbolic meaning in the medieval times, lions represented courage, lambs represented patience and humility, goats symbolized victory, and so on. These animals were given wings to represent their connection to the divine.