Saint Mark the Evangelist was named the patron saint of the Republic of Venice when his remains were brought from a tomb in Alexandria, Egypt, to Venice in the early ninth century. Being under the protection of Saint Mark brought diplomatic and political advantages to the republic. There are twelve apostles, but only four evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Possession of the body of a saint who came under both categories was considered exceptional.
The four evangelists are each represented by a winged creature; Saint Mark’s traditional symbol is a winged lion. The choice of Mark as patron saint allowed Venice to adopt a powerfully significant state symbol, the lion, which is emblematic of strength, majesty, courage, and fortitude.
Winged lions are depicted throughout Venice, including on the clock tower on the Piazza San Marco in Venice. St Mark's Clock, the clock housed in the clock tower and featured on this beautiful scarf, was built and installed between 1496 and 1499, and was one of a number of large public astronomical clocks erected throughout Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries.
33.5 x 33.5 inches
100% Hand-woven Silk
Dry-clean only
Made in Lyon, France
