Reading
Read the plaque
The Met’s enamel plaque represents Jude standing beneath a curved top. Look beside the halo for the letters that accompany the figure. Its identification rests on more than the pose. Compare this portable object with Ribera’s Jude bending over a book in the Rennes painting.
A shared feast, several traditions
Luke 6 calls Simon the Zealot and names Judas of James separately from Judas Iscariot. Christian lists traditionally link Judas of James with Thaddaeus. Simon sometimes carries a saw. Jude may carry a club or an image of Christ. Neither needs to stand next to the other.
Key takeaway
A catalogue or an inscription can distinguish Jude and Simon when a weapon is missing.
Visual study
The standing figure appears below a rounded arch in gilded copper and enamel. Letters near his head give his name.
CC0Jude leans towards the open book resting before him.
Jusepe de Ribera · c. 1609–1610 · Public domainOther depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Simon the Zealot
Study notesLook for the toothed edge of a saw. It identifies Simon the Zealot in many Western apostle series, especially alongside Jude.
Saint Simon the Zealot
Study notesLook for the toothed edge of a saw. It identifies Simon the Zealot in many Western apostle series, especially alongside Jude.
Saint Simon the Zealot
Study notesLook for the toothed edge of a saw. It identifies Simon the Zealot in many Western apostle series, especially alongside Jude.
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Simon the Zealot
An apostle named Simon the Zealot in Luke’s list.
Memory hook: A saw with a toothed edge
Visual examples
Saint Simon the Zealot
Study notesAn apostle named Simon the Zealot in Luke’s list.
Saint Simon the Zealot
Study notesAn apostle named Simon the Zealot in Luke’s list.
Apostle profile
Saint Jude Thaddeus
The apostle traditionally called Jude Thaddeus, distinct from Judas Iscariot.
Memory hook: A small image of Christ
Visual examples
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesThe apostle traditionally called Jude Thaddeus, distinct from Judas Iscariot.
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesThe apostle traditionally called Jude Thaddeus, distinct from Judas Iscariot.
Compare at a glance
Simon and Jude
Saint Simon the Zealot
Study notesLook for the toothed edge of a saw. It identifies Simon the Zealot in many Western apostle series, especially alongside Jude.
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Study notesA club or an inscription can identify Jude Thaddeus. A shared feast explains why artists often pair him with Simon the Zealot.
Key attributes
Book
Simon sometimes holds a saw. Jude can hold a club or an image of Christ. Consult an inscription when the object is missing or shared.
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.