Reading
The disciple and the mother of Jesus
At the Cross, John 19 links Jesus’ mother and the beloved disciple through Jesus’ words to them. An artist may place Mary and a youthful male figure on either side of Christ. Name the relationship described in the text before using the traditional identification of the disciple as John.
A writer names himself
Revelation 1 names its speaker John and locates him on Patmos. It does not identify him there as the son of Zebedee. In art, a writer receiving a vision on an island belongs to the Patmos tradition. Later artistic tradition often unites that visionary and the evangelist.
Key takeaway
The text names John on Patmos. Identifying him with the apostle belongs to tradition.
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, MilanJohn turns his eyes upwards. The corner of a book breaks the lower edge of the portrait.
Benedetto LutiOther 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.