Reading
The list changes in Acts
Matthew 10 names the brothers Peter and Andrew, the sons of Zebedee, and eight other apostles, including Judas Iscariot. Acts 1 describes a later gathering. The community puts forward Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias and chooses Matthias by lot. The course follows the group after that choice.
Dinner and assembly
Judas belongs to the story of the Last Supper. Matthias has no assigned place there. An icon that assembles apostles outside narrative time can use a different selection, sometimes including Paul. Count the people, then consult the title and any inscriptions to establish which gathering the artist meant.
Key takeaway
The roster depends on the episode and the purpose of the work.
Visual study
Groups of diners turn and gesture around Christ. The lines of the ceiling converge near his head.
Leonardo da Vinci · Santa Maria delle Grazie, MilanGroups of haloed apostles share a gold ground. The staggered tiers let the viewer see each face.
From Novgorod · State Tretyakov Gallery, 15th centuryFurther works on this theme
The canonical Twelve
Matthias replaces Judas Iscariot — omit Judas when counting post-Resurrection programs.
Judas at supper
The meal takes place before the arrest of Jesus. Judas Iscariot belongs to its narrative, whatever place an artist assigns him at the table.
Groups of diners turn and gesture around Christ. The lines of the ceiling converge near his head.
Leonardo da Vinci · Santa Maria delle Grazie, MilanAfter the Ascension
Duccio puts the gathering beneath an architectural frame. Acts places Pentecost after the choice of Matthias. The composition can show a community without naming each individual.
The gathered figures fit beneath an architectural frame. Look above their haloes for the signs of the descending Spirit.
Duccio di Buoninsegna · Maestà, Siena