Reading
Luti’s upward gaze
Benedetto Luti crops the figure near the shoulders. A young face looks upwards and part of a book appears along the lower edge. Cover the caption. Those two features describe the painting accurately, but neither would securely identify an unknown sitter on its own.
The direction of attention
Van Dyck’s John looks down towards his cup. In a Last Supper, a neighbouring figure can instead determine the direction of John’s attention. Look for the person who leans towards him, then compare that relationship with John 13. Different formats give the hands and gaze different work to do.
Key takeaway
A face describes a person. A gesture often explains their role in the scene.
Visual study
John turns his eyes upwards. The corner of a book breaks the lower edge of the portrait.
Benedetto LutiJohn turns his head towards the cup held near his hands.
Anthony van Dyck · c. 1618–1620 · Public domainGroups of diners turn and gesture around Christ. The lines of the ceiling converge near his head.
Leonardo da Vinci · Santa Maria delle Grazie, MilanOther 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.
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.