Reading
Describe the object first
A key has a shaft, a bow for the hand and teeth to move a lock. Compare the objects in Peter’s hand with the straight staff in Reni’s portrait of James. Name the shape you can see before assigning a meaning to it. A beard and a halo tell you much less about an individual.
When the evidence runs out
Ribera’s An Apostle in London carries a spear. The National Gallery keeps two identifications open, Thomas and Matthias. Try writing a label that first records the weapon and then explains why the name remains uncertain. This is a positive result of close looking.
Key takeaway
A precise description can support more than one possible name.
Visual study
Which detail presents James as a pilgrim in Guido Reni’s portrait?
Choose one of the three areas of the artwork.
View the complete works and their labels
One hand rests on the chest. The keys lie lower down at the opposite side of the portrait.
El GrecoThe shaft of the pilgrim’s staff rises past James’s shoulder while his joined hands rest near his chest.
Guido Reni · Museum of Fine Arts, HoustonThe 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, NG6577Further works on this theme
Three steps — in order
Identify the object
Trace the keys from their teeth to the hand that holds them. Place the object within the picture before supplying a name.
One hand rests on the chest. The keys lie lower down at the opposite side of the portrait.
El GrecoCheck a second detail
Luti shows a young man looking up, with the corner of a book below. Those details describe the portrait, but the catalogue gives us its subject.
John turns his eyes upwards. The corner of a book breaks the lower edge of the portrait.
Benedetto LutiTest another identification
Look along the right edge of Ribera’s portrait for the spear shaft. The National Gallery admits two names for this figure, Thomas and Matthias.
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, NG6577Memorize these anchors first — they outrank beard type and robe color in any apostolic frieze.
Keys
Peter
Walking staff
James the Greater
Knife
Bartholomew
Book
John in Luti’s portrait