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Know the Saint

Visual Atlas

The language of symbols.

Identify a figure Browse the index

Attribute cabinet

Two keys identify Saint Peter. In Perugino’s fresco, Christ gives them to him at the centre of the piazza.

See Saint Peter

Pietro Perugino

The keys

Identification desk

What can you see?

Choose up to three clues to find figures in the collection that share them all.

Your clues · 0/3

Try a combination

Symbol index

Results · 73

Objects · Symbols

Book

Gospels, doctrine, or wisdom

The apostle Saint Paul — The apostle Saint PaulEl Greco · 1610–1614
1/8

How to recognise it

Gospel book identifies evangelists and learned saints.

Check the saint’s other clues—eagle, lion, ox, or angel for evangelists.

Associated figures

Saint Paul Saint Catherine of Alexandria Saint Anthony of Padua Jesus Christ Saint John the Evangelist Saint Matthew Saint Bartholomew Saint James the Less Saint Matthias Saint Luke Saint Mark Solomon Daniel

Looking guides

Study symbols by theme

Most Recognizable

Beginner Symbol Guide

Martyrdom Clues

Animals & Their Meaning

Compare figures

Saint Peter vs Saint Paul Saint George vs Archangel Michael Saint Anthony vs Saint Joseph

How to read an image

Look at what the figure holds and how it is used.
Study the clothes. A habit, armour or dalmatic can help establish a role.
Compare the object and the clothing with the action in the scene.