Reading
A table, a gathering, an accusation
In Leonardo the long table joins diners facing the viewer. In Duccio’s Pentecost the figures sit close together within an architectural frame, with signs of the Spirit descending. In Caravaggio’s Denial three closely cropped figures exchange gestures in darkness. The arrangement changes before any individual attribute enters the reading.
What the text contributes
Acts 2 compares the appearance at Pentecost to tongues of fire. A painter can turn that comparison into red or gold marks over the gathered people. Look for them at full size. A halo belongs to the saint’s image more generally and need not identify Pentecost.
Key takeaway
Name the event from its setting and action before assigning the individual names.
Visual study
Groups of diners turn and gesture around Christ. The lines of the ceiling converge near his head.
Leonardo da Vinci · Santa Maria delle Grazie, MilanThe gathered figures fit beneath an architectural frame. Look above their haloes for the signs of the descending Spirit.
Duccio di Buoninsegna · Maestà, SienaA 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 YorkOther 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
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.