Reading
Where do the beams meet?
In El Greco’s full-length Andrew, follow the large beams behind the figure beyond the point where his body hides them. The crossing diagonals suggest the letter X. This saltire became a familiar sign of Andrew in Western art. The Gospel account of his call contains no such object.
A painting with a different answer
Bernini’s Saints Andrew and Thomas in London provides a useful counterexample. The museum identifies Andrew by his fish and book, and Thomas by a set square. Draw the right angle of the square and the outline of the fish. Both shapes matter more in this work than a memorised list.
Key takeaway
The saltire is a strong clue when it appears. Artists also use other signs.
Visual study
Andrew stands against a landscape with long, diagonally crossing timbers behind him.
El Greco · 1610 · Public domainBernini places the fish with Andrew and the set square in Thomas’s hand.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini · National Gallery, London, NG6381Other depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Andrew
Study notesTwo beams crossing diagonally form Andrew’s saltire. In scenes of his calling, he may instead appear with Peter and the fishing nets.
Key attributes
Cross
Saint Andrew
Study notesTwo beams crossing diagonally form Andrew’s saltire. In scenes of his calling, he may instead appear with Peter and the fishing nets.
Key attributes
Cross
Saint Andrew
Study notesTwo beams crossing diagonally form Andrew’s saltire. In scenes of his calling, he may instead appear with Peter and the fishing nets.
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Andrew
Peter’s brother, often represented with a diagonal cross.
Memory hook: Two crossing diagonals
Visual examples
Saint Andrew
Study notesPeter’s brother, often represented with a diagonal cross.
Key attributes
Cross
Saint Andrew
Study notesPeter’s brother, often represented with a diagonal cross.
Core apostolic attributes
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.