Reading
An unnamed diner
John 13 places the disciple whom Jesus loves close to him at the meal. Peter signals to this disciple to ask a question. The Gospel uses a description here. Western artists and their patrons generally understood the disciple as John, son of Zebedee.
A saint in several roles
At supper John can be recognised through a relationship. In a Gospel book he may hold a pen with an eagle nearby. In a devotional portrait he sometimes holds a chalice. The choice of episode or format explains why the same figure can look so different.
Key takeaway
Separate what the Gospel calls the disciple from what the artist calls him.
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 head towards the cup held near his hands.
Anthony van Dyck · c. 1618–1620 · Public domainOther 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.