Reading
Matthew in the Gospel book
The Cleveland miniature frames Matthew and his winged companion within a decorated page. Look at their scale in relation to the border and the written book. A miniature bound into a Gospel book can introduce a particular Gospel before its opening lines.
James with a bound volume
In El Greco’s James the Less the apostle supports a large closed book. Compare its rectangular cover with the surface on which a writer would work. A book can stand for an apostle’s teaching. Without another sign the volume would not identify which apostle is holding it.
Key takeaway
A book can refer to teaching, a specific Gospel or an author at work.
Visual study
The seated Matthew and his winged human companion occupy the miniature inside its decorated border.
Master of the Housebook · Cleveland Museum of ArtA large closed book occupies the lower right of the portrait.
El Greco · c. 1610–1614 · Public domainOther depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Matthew
Study notesLook beside the writing desk. Matthew’s companion is a winged human figure, which helps distinguish him from the other evangelists.
Key attributes
Book
Saint Matthew
Study notesLook beside the writing desk. Matthew’s companion is a winged human figure, which helps distinguish him from the other evangelists.
Key attributes
Book
Saint Matthew
Study notesLook beside the writing desk. Matthew’s companion is a winged human figure, which helps distinguish him from the other evangelists.
Key attributes
Book
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Matthew
A tax collector among the Twelve and the traditional author of the first Gospel.
Memory hook: A winged human companion
Visual examples
Saint Matthew
Study notesA tax collector among the Twelve and the traditional author of the first Gospel.
Key attributes
Book
Saint Matthew
Study notesA tax collector among the Twelve and the traditional author of the first Gospel.
Key attributes
Book
Apostle profile
Saint James the Less
An apostolic figure associated in art with James son of Alphaeus.
Memory hook: A fuller’s club
Visual examples
Saint James the Less
Study notesAn apostolic figure associated in art with James son of Alphaeus.
Practice
Answer notebook
0 / 1 answeredMore practice
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.