Reading
Four actions of the hand
Compare receiving a key, pointing an accusation, touching a wound and holding a book. In each case locate the open or closed fingers, their direction and the object or body they approach. This vocabulary lets you describe an interaction while leaving its interpretation until later.
One posture, many possible names
A kneeling figure may pray, receive an object or ask for help. In Perugino the keys between Christ and Peter give the posture a particular meaning. In Thomas scenes the concentration of several gazes at Christ’s side gives the leaning bodies a different purpose.
Key takeaway
The endpoint of a gesture matters as much as the pose itself.
Visual study
Where does Perugino show what the kneeling man receives?
Choose one of the three areas of the artwork.
View the complete works and their labels
Christ stands to the left of the kneeling Peter. The large keys connect their hands above the patterned pavement.
Pietro Perugino · Sistine Chapel, VaticanA soldier raises one finger and the woman two. The museum relates these gestures to the three accusations against Peter.
Caravaggio · The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkChrist guides Thomas’s hand towards his side while the other men lean close.
After Caravaggio · 1610–1620 · Public domainOther depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Peter
Study notesLook for the keys. In scenes of the denial, a rooster or Peter’s hands drawn to his chest can identify the same apostle.
Key attributes
Keys
Saint Peter
Study notesLook for the keys. In scenes of the denial, a rooster or Peter’s hands drawn to his chest can identify the same apostle.
Key attributes
Keys
Saint Peter
Study notesLook for the keys. In scenes of the denial, a rooster or Peter’s hands drawn to his chest can identify the same apostle.
Key attributes
Keys
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Peter
Fisherman and spokesman of the Twelve.
Memory hook: Keys held or received
Visual examples
Saint Peter
Study notesFisherman and spokesman of the Twelve.
Key attributes
Keys
Saint Peter
Study notesFisherman and spokesman of the Twelve.
Key attributes
Keys
Apostle profile
Saint Thomas
The apostle who meets the risen Christ and is invited to examine his wounds.
Memory hook: A hand reaching towards Christ’s side
Visual examples
Saint Thomas
Study notesThe apostle who meets the risen Christ and is invited to examine his wounds.
Saint Thomas
Study notesThe apostle who meets the risen Christ and is invited to examine his wounds.
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.