Reading
One secure identification
In the Cleveland Gospel book the museum identifies the miniature as Matthew. Record the medium, the decorated border and the winged human attendant in your own words. Then explain how its place in a manuscript helps the reader interpret the portrait.
One open identification
For Ribera’s An Apostle, give the artist, the museum title and the visible spear. Present Thomas and Matthias as alternatives considered by the museum. Comparing these labels shows why a specialist can recognise the object precisely while keeping the saint’s identity open.
Checkpoint takeaway
A caption can be accurate at different levels of certainty.
Visual study
The seated Matthew and his winged human companion occupy the miniature inside its decorated border.
Master of the Housebook · Cleveland Museum of ArtThe bearded man holds the shaft of a spear along the right edge. The museum considers both Thomas and Matthias.
Jusepe de Ribera · National Gallery, London, NG6577Other 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
Practice
Answer notebook
0 / 2 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.