Reading
Read the cutting edge
In Ribera’s portrait the blade catches the light against a dark ground. A knife can stand for the later tradition of Bartholomew’s death by flaying even when the painter shows him alive. Michelangelo adds the hanging skin in the Last Judgement. Describe it only in a work where it is actually present.
A name in the apostolic lists
Bartholomew is named among the Twelve. John 1 introduces Nathanael through Philip, without calling him Bartholomew. A long-standing tradition identifies them. The knife refers to the martyrdom tradition and cannot establish whether the two biblical names belonged to one person.
Key takeaway
The knife belongs to the history of his imagery. The Nathanael identification rests on tradition.
Visual study
Ribera sets a knife against a dark background. The blade alludes to the martyrdom tradition.
Jusepe de RiberaOther depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Bartholomew
Study notesA knife points to the tradition of Bartholomew’s flaying. Some artists give him the blade alone, others also show the flayed skin.
Saint Bartholomew
Study notesA knife points to the tradition of Bartholomew’s flaying. Some artists give him the blade alone, others also show the flayed skin.
Key attributes
Flaying Knife
Saint Bartholomew
Study notesA knife points to the tradition of Bartholomew’s flaying. Some artists give him the blade alone, others also show the flayed skin.
Key attributes
Flaying Knife
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Bartholomew
An apostle named in the lists of the Twelve and conventionally shown with a knife.
Memory hook: A knife in an apostolic portrait
Visual examples
Saint Bartholomew
Study notesAn apostle named in the lists of the Twelve and conventionally shown with a knife.
Key attributes
Flaying Knife
Saint Bartholomew
Study notesAn apostle named in the lists of the Twelve and conventionally shown with a knife.
Key attributes
Flaying Knife
Practice
Answer notebook
0 / 1 answeredMore practice
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.