Reading
Look across the animal’s body
An eagle has a hooked beak and folded or spread wings. A lamb has a four-legged silhouette and fleece. Determine first whether it stands on the ground, rests on a book or appears high above the saint. Its location reveals how the artist connects it with the human figure.
A third possibility for the Evangelist
Compare the eagle with the chalice of John in the National Gallery of Art engraving linked below. The chalice comes from the story of poisoned wine. If the Baptist appears as a child in a Holy Family scene, youth alone would fail to distinguish him from the youthful Evangelist.
Key takeaway
Age is a convention that can overlap. Look for the animal, object and action together.
Visual study
What links this portrait of John to the legend of the poisoned drink?
Choose one of the three areas of the artwork.
View the complete works and their labels
John turns his head towards the cup held near his hands.
Anthony van Dyck · c. 1618–1620 · Public domainOther depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint John the Evangelist
Study notesAn eagle beside a writer identifies John the Evangelist. A chalice, sometimes with a serpent emerging, belongs to another tradition about him.
Key attributes
Chalice
Saint John the Evangelist
Study notesAn eagle beside a writer identifies John the Evangelist. A chalice, sometimes with a serpent emerging, belongs to another tradition about him.
Saint John the Evangelist
Study notesAn eagle beside a writer identifies John the Evangelist. A chalice, sometimes with a serpent emerging, belongs to another tradition about him.
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint John the Evangelist
A son of Zebedee traditionally identified with the beloved disciple and the fourth evangelist.
Memory hook: An eagle alongside a writer
Visual examples
Saint John the Evangelist
Study notesA son of Zebedee traditionally identified with the beloved disciple and the fourth evangelist.
Saint John the Evangelist
Study notesA son of Zebedee traditionally identified with the beloved disciple and the fourth evangelist.
Compare at a glance
The two Johns
Saint John the Evangelist
Study notesAn eagle beside a writer identifies John the Evangelist. A chalice, sometimes with a serpent emerging, belongs to another tradition about him.
Key attributes
Chalice
John the Baptist
Study notesA lamb and a reed cross often accompany John. Look for his pointing finger, which directs the viewer towards Christ.
An eagle beside a Gospel writer points to the Evangelist. A baptism in the river, or a prophet pointing to a lamb, suggests the Baptist.
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.