Reading
Look at the junction
Andrew may hold a saltire whose two beams cross diagonally. Philip may carry a tall upright cross. A set square associated with Thomas has an open right angle. Follow each piece of wood past the saint’s hand. A painted sleeve or a cropped edge can hide the junction you need.
Paintings that complicate the rule
Bernini places Andrew and Thomas together and gives Thomas a set square. Ribera’s unidentified apostle in London presents a spear that the museum associates with either Thomas or Matthias. Compare the certainty of the two labels and the evidence each can draw on.
Key takeaway
A tool has a shape you can describe even when the name remains uncertain.
Visual study
Bernini places the fish with Andrew and the set square in Thomas’s hand.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini · National Gallery, London, NG6381The bearded man holds the shaft of a spear along the right edge. The museum considers both Thomas and Matthias.
Jusepe de Ribera · National Gallery, London, NG6577Philip 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.