Reading
A series preserves relationships
A sequence of apostolic panels repeats scale, poses and colours. In the National Gallery’s Christ and Eight Apostles, examine the division into separate fields and consult the catalogue for the figures the surviving work preserves. The physical object may contain only part of a larger programme.
An isolated picture loses neighbours
London’s An Apostle by Ribera may also have belonged to a series. The museum sees a spear but allows two possible names, Thomas and Matthias. Compare its cautious title with a panel that still carries a name. Think about what a missing frame or companion could once have told its viewer.
Key takeaway
Look beyond the individual face to the surviving evidence of the original ensemble.
Visual study
The 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, NG6577Other 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.
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.