The Chalice, with Serpent, attribute of St. John, in reference to tradition of poisoned Chalice.
XIX. The Four Evangelists were, in very early times, symbolised by four scrolls on the arms of an equilateral cross.
Later (from Second to Fifth Century) by four rivers, and from the Fifth Century onwards by the four Living Creatures.
St. Matthew = the winged man, in reference to his gospel showing the Humanity of Christ.
St. Mark = the Lion, his gospel being especially for the Jews.
St. Luke = the Ox, showing the sacrificial aspect.
St. John = the Eagle, ‘taking the highest flight and portraying the Divinity’ of our Lord.
XX. The Twelve Apostles.
The earliest representations are purely emblematical—twelve sheep in a row (six on each side) with the ‘Agnus Dei’ in the middle.
The next twelve men, all exactly alike, carrying a sheep, with our Lord as the Good Shepherd larger than the others.