Reading
An attribute can change
El Greco places a tall cross behind Andrew. Bernini, in the painting linked below, gives one of his saints a fish and a book. The London museum identifies that figure as Andrew. Look at the other saint’s tool before deciding whom the double portrait pairs with him.
The occupation behind the fish
Andrew and Peter are fishermen in the Gospels. A fish can call that occupation to mind, but cannot distinguish the two brothers everywhere it appears. In Bernini’s painting the catalogue identification and Thomas’s square together clarify the pairing.
Key takeaway
A fish gains identifying power when the companion and the catalogue agree.
Visual study
Andrew stands against a landscape with long, diagonally crossing timbers behind him.
El Greco · 1610 · Public domainBernini places the fish with Andrew and the set square in Thomas’s hand.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini · National Gallery, London, NG6381Other depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Andrew
Study notesTwo beams crossing diagonally form Andrew’s saltire. In scenes of his calling, he may instead appear with Peter and the fishing nets.
Key attributes
Cross
Saint Andrew
Study notesTwo beams crossing diagonally form Andrew’s saltire. In scenes of his calling, he may instead appear with Peter and the fishing nets.
Key attributes
Cross
Saint Andrew
Study notesTwo beams crossing diagonally form Andrew’s saltire. In scenes of his calling, he may instead appear with Peter and the fishing nets.
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Andrew
Peter’s brother, often represented with a diagonal cross.
Memory hook: Two crossing diagonals
Visual examples
Saint Andrew
Study notesPeter’s brother, often represented with a diagonal cross.
Key attributes
Cross
Saint Andrew
Study notesPeter’s brother, often represented with a diagonal cross.
Core apostolic attributes
Practice
Answer notebook
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Who is this apostle?
Scan attributes first — then choose a name.
Quick check
Attribute checklist
Tap each attribute once you can picture it in art for this lesson.