Reading
Cross, tool or weapon
Sketch the outline of Andrew’s saltire, Thomas’s set square and Philip’s cross. Mark where the parts meet and whether they continue beyond the join. When the top of an object is cropped off, a handle alone may fail to distinguish a spear from a staff.
An object that belongs to someone else
The bread in John 6 belongs to the boy Andrew mentions. In Bernini’s picture the square is in Thomas’s hand. Compare those two relationships. Being near an object, carrying it and acting on it are different forms of evidence.
Key takeaway
Name the person who actually holds or uses the object.
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, NG6381Philip grips a tall cross whose shaft rises beyond his shoulder.
El Greco · 1610–1614 · Public domainOther 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.
Apostle profile
Saint Thomas
The apostle who meets the risen Christ and is invited to examine his wounds.
Memory hook: A hand reaching towards Christ’s side
Visual examples
Saint Thomas
Study notesThe apostle who meets the risen Christ and is invited to examine his wounds.
Saint Thomas
Study notesThe apostle who meets the risen Christ and is invited to examine his wounds.
Apostle profile
Saint Philip
An apostle from Bethsaida who introduces Nathanael to Jesus.
Memory hook: A tall upright cross
Visual examples
Saint Philip
Study notesAn apostle from Bethsaida who introduces Nathanael to Jesus.
Key attributes
Cross
Saint Philip
Study notesAn apostle from Bethsaida who introduces Nathanael to Jesus.
Practice
Answer notebook
0 / 1 answeredMore practice
Who is this apostle?
Scan attributes first — then choose a name.
Quick check
Quick check
Attribute checklist
Tap each attribute once you can picture it in art for this lesson.