Reading
The name inside the work
Compare the enamel plaque of Jude at the Met with the gold-ground Matthias from the workshop of Simone Martini. Look at the letters near the figures. An inscribed name can identify an apostle even if a saint carries a generic book or shows no instrument of martyrdom.
A tool in a portrait
For Bartholomew a knife can refer to the tradition of his flaying. Simon may have a saw, Jude a club and Matthias an axe, although those choices vary by region and series. When several tools appear, follow each handle back to the hand that holds it.
Key takeaway
Inscriptions and catalogue records are part of the evidence for an identification.
Visual study
The standing figure appears below a rounded arch in gilded copper and enamel. Letters near his head give his name.
CC0Painted letters beside the halo identify Matthias, who holds a green book against his chest.
Workshop of Simone Martini · c. 1317–1319 · CC0Ribera sets a knife against a dark background. The blade alludes to the martyrdom tradition.
Jusepe de RiberaOther depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesA club or an inscription can identify Jude Thaddeus. A shared feast explains why artists often pair him with Simon the Zealot.
Key attributes
Book
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesA club or an inscription can identify Jude Thaddeus. A shared feast explains why artists often pair him with Simon the Zealot.
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesA club or an inscription can identify Jude Thaddeus. A shared feast explains why artists often pair him with Simon the Zealot.
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Jude Thaddeus
The apostle traditionally called Jude Thaddeus, distinct from Judas Iscariot.
Memory hook: A small image of Christ
Visual examples
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesThe apostle traditionally called Jude Thaddeus, distinct from Judas Iscariot.
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesThe apostle traditionally called Jude Thaddeus, distinct from Judas Iscariot.
Apostle profile
Saint Matthias
Chosen by lot to take Judas Iscariot’s place among the apostles.
Memory hook: An axe in some portraits
Visual examples
Saint Matthias
Study notesChosen by lot to take Judas Iscariot’s place among the apostles.
Key attributes
Axe
Saint Matthias
Study notesChosen by lot to take Judas Iscariot’s place among the apostles.
Apostle profile
Saint Bartholomew
An apostle named in the lists of the Twelve and conventionally shown with a knife.
Memory hook: A knife in an apostolic portrait
Visual examples
Saint Bartholomew
Study notesAn apostle named in the lists of the Twelve and conventionally shown with a knife.
Key attributes
Flaying Knife
Saint Bartholomew
Study notesAn apostle named in the lists of the Twelve and conventionally shown with a knife.
Key attributes
Flaying Knife
Practice
Answer notebook
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Who is this apostle?
Scan attributes first — then choose a name.
Quick check
Quick check
Attribute checklist
Tap each attribute once you can picture it in art for this lesson.