Reading
Start at the edges
In the gold-ground Matthias panel, look beside the halo for painted letters. In a larger series the frame or the strip below each figure might also carry a name. Read what survives, distinguish letters you can actually see and check the museum transcription before expanding an abbreviation.
Describe the binding
Compare the closed book held by James the Less in El Greco with the open volume on the desk in Ribera’s Jude. One presents a bound object and the other concentrates on reading. These differences explain the pose even when they do little to establish the individual name.
Key takeaway
A shared attribute can still tell you what a figure is doing.
Visual study
Which detail gives the personal name of the figure on this panel?
Choose one of the three areas of the artwork.
View the complete works and their labels
Painted letters beside the halo identify Matthias, who holds a green book against his chest.
Workshop of Simone Martini · c. 1317–1319 · CC0A large closed book occupies the lower right of the portrait.
El Greco · c. 1610–1614 · Public domainJude leans towards the open book resting before him.
Jusepe de Ribera · c. 1609–1610 · Public domainOther depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Matthias
Study notesAn axe often identifies Matthias in apostle portraits. He joined the Twelve after the Ascension, in the episode recounted in Acts.
Key attributes
Book · Sacred Halo
Saint Matthias
Study notesAn axe often identifies Matthias in apostle portraits. He joined the Twelve after the Ascension, in the episode recounted in Acts.
Key attributes
Axe
Saint Matthias
Study notesAn axe often identifies Matthias in apostle portraits. He joined the Twelve after the Ascension, in the episode recounted in Acts.
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Matthias
Chosen by lot to take Judas Iscariot’s place among the apostles.
Memory hook: An axe in some portraits
Visual examples
Saint Matthias
Study notesChosen by lot to take Judas Iscariot’s place among the apostles.
Key attributes
Axe
Saint Matthias
Study notesChosen by lot to take Judas Iscariot’s place among the apostles.
Apostle profile
Saint James the Less
An apostolic figure associated in art with James son of Alphaeus.
Memory hook: A fuller’s club
Visual examples
Saint James the Less
Study notesAn apostolic figure associated in art with James son of Alphaeus.
Apostle profile
Saint Jude Thaddeus
The apostle traditionally called Jude Thaddeus, distinct from Judas Iscariot.
Memory hook: A small image of Christ
Visual examples
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesThe apostle traditionally called Jude Thaddeus, distinct from Judas Iscariot.
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesThe apostle traditionally called Jude Thaddeus, distinct from Judas Iscariot.
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.