We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Mythology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Tetramorph?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 10,286
Share

A tetramorph is an arrangement of four elements which is designed to highlight the relationship between those elements. Many tetramorphs appear in religious symbolism, although they can also appear more generally in art and architecture. One of the most famous uses of the tetramorph is in depictions of the four evangelists in Christianity; these depictions are often designed in the form of quartered panels with a different symbol in each panel.

Many religions all over the world and throughout history have integrated the tetramorph into their religious practice. Temples, for example, may include depictions of tetramorphs in the form of sculptures and paintings, and historically many temple floors were divided into tetramorphs. The use of a tetramorph allows people to unite distinct and sometimes seemingly disparate elements, highlighting the complexity of the nature of faith.

There are a number of ways in which a tetramorph can appear. In some cases, a tetramorph unites four elements in one object; for example, a lion might be depicted with an eagle's head, a snake's tail, and a set of wings. Works of art which unite the elements of a tetramorph into a common theory can be quite intense and sometimes horrifying, suggesting monsters more than objects of religious veneration. Wings are often present in tetramorphs, regardless as to the culture from which the tetramorph originates, suggesting that the desire to fly may be universal.

In other instances, a tetramorph includes four separate elements which are arranged in a symbolic fashion. Classically, the elements are displayed at four corners of a symbolic design which may be quite ornate, highlighting the difference between each object while also integrating them into a unified symbol. Such tetramorphs can be huge, spanning across things like ceilings and floors, or small enough to fit onto the page of a manuscript.

Each culture has its own tetramorphs, and often the symbolic meaning of a tetramorph is only clear to followers of a particular religion, who understand the references being made by each element in the design. Others are more commonly known; most people are familiar with the concept of the four quarters of the wind, for example. Tetramorphs can also appear beyond the boundaries of visual art; a string quartet, for example, could be considered a form of tetramorph, with the instruments representing unique elements which are unified and made larger in performance.

Share
Language & Humanities is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a Language & Humanities researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.languagehumanities.org/what-is-a-tetramorph.htm
Copy this link
Language & Humanities, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Language & Humanities, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.