Reading
Two animals, two meanings
A writer with an eagle suggests John the Evangelist. A prophet directing attention to a lamb evokes John the Baptist and his witness to Christ as the Lamb of God. A lamb carried by a different saint can have another meaning, so check the action and other attributes.
The setting beneath the saint
An open riverbank, Christ standing in water and a figure leaning towards his head point to the Baptism. In Matthew 3, John wears a garment of camel hair. That garment, together with the river and gesture, gives stronger evidence than any guess about the figure’s age.
Key takeaway
Ask what the figure is doing with the animal, the book or the water.
Visual study
What links this portrait of John to the legend of the poisoned drink?
Choose one of the three areas of the artwork.
View the complete works and their labels
John turns his head towards the cup held near his hands.
Anthony van Dyck · c. 1618–1620 · Public domainThe seated Matthew and his winged human companion occupy the miniature inside its decorated border.
Master of the Housebook · Cleveland Museum of ArtOther 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.
Compare at a glance
The two Johns
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
John the Baptist
Study notesA lamb and a reed cross often accompany John. Look for his pointing finger, which directs the viewer towards Christ.
An eagle beside a Gospel writer points to the Evangelist. A baptism in the river, or a prophet pointing to a lamb, suggests the Baptist.
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.