Axe
Martyrdom attribute in Western tradition.
Apostles
Saint Matthias
Matthias the Apostle
An axe often identifies Matthias in apostle portraits. He joined the Twelve after the Ascension, in the episode recounted in Acts.
The apostle Saint MatthiasWorkshop of Simone Martini · c. 1317–1319
01 / 04
- Feast
- May 14
- Era
- 1st century · Jerusalem, Judea (trad.)
- Difficulty
- Advanced
Iconographic Attributes
Iconographic field guide
Identifying features
Election by lot is his narrative scene. Axe distinguishes him from Paul’s sword and Thomas’s spear. Appears in full apostolic cycles—rare solo portraits.
- Clothing
- apostolic robes
- Colours
- red · blue
- Symbols
- axe · halberd
Book
Witness from baptism of John through Ascension.
Apostolic Robes
Often in full apostolic group cycles
Prophet's Beard
Often in full apostolic group cycles
halberd
Martyrdom attribute in Western art
Visual Gallery
Works / 04The apostle Saint MatthiasWorkshop of Simone Martini · c. 1317–1319
The apostle Saint MatthiasPeter Paul Rubens · c. 1611
The apostle Saint MatthiasBernat Jiménez
Saint MatthiasHendrick Goltzius, after Maarten de Vos · c. 1578
Biography
Life & legacy
Acts 1Acts 1 names Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas as candidates to replace Judas Iscariot. After prayer, the disciples cast lots and Matthias joined the Eleven. His axe in later art refers to one tradition about his death.
Acts 1:15–26; martyrdom traditions with axe or halberd.
Representation in Sacred Art
Narrative scenes to recognize
Election by lot
Apostolic company
Martyrdom
Visual Recognition Guide
1.Axe or halberd
Martyrdom attribute in Western art
2.Book or scroll
Apostolic witness to the Resurrection
3.Mature bearded apostle
Often in full apostolic group cycles
4.Election by lot scene
Narrative identification in Acts cycles
Quick checklist
Axe + apostolic robes; Acts 1 election scenes.
Patronage and Devotion
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Distinguishing Similar Figures
Often confused with Saint Paul: Paul also “apostle” but not of the Twelve; sword + book
Often confused with Saint Thomas: Both may hold weapons; Thomas has square or wound scene
Notes from the Archive
- Only apostle chosen after Pentecost—fills Judas’s place in the Twelve
The Twelve Apostles course
Matthias after the Ascension
Distinguish the election in Acts from later signs in portraits of Matthias.
Study this lesson 8 min · FreePractice
