Monochrome photo of St John the Evangelist wooden sculpture

Positive by C. M. Colón-Torres.
The sculpture arrived at La Casa del Libro with its first executive director, Elmer Adler. Adler found it in an antique shop and acquired it to use as the museum’s icon. Under Catholicism, Saint John the Evangelist is considered the protector of printers, bibliophiles, librarians, booksellers, editors, bookbinders, writers, illustrators, calligraphers, typographers, art dealers, and other arts and industries related to the book. All are celebrated arts at La Casa del Libro.