Cross
Saltire (Saint Andrew’s cross)—diagonal X, not Latin cross.
Apostles
Saint Andrew
Andrew the Apostle
Two beams crossing diagonally form Andrew’s saltire. In scenes of his calling, he may instead appear with Peter and the fishing nets.
Saint AndrewEl Greco · 1610
01 / 05
- Feast
- November 30
- Era
- 1st century · Galilee, Patras (trad.)
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
Iconographic Attributes
Iconographic field guide
Identifying features
The X-shaped cross is Andrew’s alone among the Twelve in Western art. Do not confuse with Philip’s tall Latin cross or generic apostle crosses. Calling scenes pair him with Peter—look for diagonal cross in later solo portraits.
- Clothing
- apostolic robes
- Colours
- green · blue · gold
- Symbols
- saltire · Saint Andrew's cross
Fishing Net
Galilean fisherman background shared with Peter.
Apostolic Robes
Often shown beside Peter in calling scenes
Prophet's Beard
Often shown beside Peter in calling scenes
Visual Gallery
Works / 05Saint AndrewEl Greco · 1610
Saint AndrewJusepe de Ribera · 1630–1632
Saint AndrewJusepe de Ribera · c. 1615–1618
Saint AndrewCircle of the Master of Elsloo · c. 1515–20
The martyrdom of Saint AndrewJusepe de Ribera · 1628
Biography
Life & legacy
John 1In John 1, Andrew follows Jesus and brings his brother Simon to him. Tradition places Andrew’s martyrdom at Patras in Greece. The diagonal cross became his familiar attribute in later Western art.
John 1:40–42; Matthew 4:18–20; Acts of Andrew (apocryphal); saltire martyrdom tradition.
Representation in Sacred Art
Narrative scenes to recognize
Calling of Andrew and Peter
Crucifixion on saltire
Mission to Greece
Visual Recognition Guide
1.X-shaped cross (saltire)
His distinctive martyrdom attribute—diagonal cross, not a Latin cross
2.Transverse or diagonal cross staff
Andrew’s cross held upright or as attribute
3.Older bearded apostle
Often shown beside Peter in calling scenes
4.Fishing net (sometimes)
Recalls Galilean fishermen background with Peter
Quick checklist
Saltire cross is definitive; Scottish or Greek mission context helps.
Patronage and Devotion
ScotlandRussiafishermensingers
Distinguishing Similar Figures
Often confused with Saint Peter: Brothers; Peter has keys, Andrew has saltire cross
Often confused with Saint Philip: Both less common solo apostles; Philip may carry tall cross or loaves
Notes from the Archive
- The Scottish flag (saltire) derives from his cross tradition
- Called “Protoclete” (first-called) in Eastern tradition
The Twelve Apostles course
Andrew and the diagonal cross
Trace the beams before naming a cross.
Study this lesson 8 min · FreePractice
