Saw
Martyrdom instrument—primary attribute.
Apostles
Saint Simon the Zealot
Simon the Canaanite
Look for the toothed edge of a saw. It identifies Simon the Zealot in many Western apostle series, especially alongside Jude.
Saint Simon the ZealotAnthony van Dyck · 1618–1620
01 / 03
- Feast
- October 28
- Era
- 1st century · Persia (trad.)
- Difficulty
- Advanced
Iconographic Attributes
Iconographic field guide
Identifying features
Simon and Jude sometimes appear together. Look for a saw with Simon and a club or medallion with Jude. Solo identification is hard—seek the saw or the pair.
- Clothing
- apostolic robes
- Colours
- green · red
- Symbols
- saw
Apostolic Robes
Garments of the Twelve or evangelists
Prophet's Beard
Venerable age of prophets and Baptist
oar
Alternative attribute in some cycles
Cross
Passion, baptismal staff, or triumph
Visual Gallery
Works / 03Saint Simon the ZealotAnthony van Dyck · 1618–1620
Saint Simon the Zealot
Plaque with Simon and ThaddeusUnidentified artist, Meuse valley · c. 1160
Biography
Life & legacy
Luke 6Luke lists Simon the Zealot among the Twelve, separately from Simon Peter. Little else is said about him in the Gospels. Later traditions pair him with Jude in mission and martyrdom, and Western artists often give Simon a saw.
Synoptic lists as “Zealot” or “Canaanite”; paired martyrdom with Jude in Persia.
Representation in Sacred Art
Narrative scenes to recognize
Paired with Jude
Martyrdom with saw
Last Supper
Visual Recognition Guide
1.Saw
Martyrdom tool—primary solo clue
2.Paired with Jude Thaddeus
Twin apostolic portraits in galleries
3.Oar or boat tool (rare)
Alternative attribute in some cycles
4.Less individualized face
Identify by saw or by pair with Jude
Quick checklist
A saw can identify Simon in a group or an individual portrait.
Patronage and Devotion
currierssawyerstanners
Distinguishing Similar Figures
Often confused with Saint Jude Thaddeus: Almost always paired—Simon has saw, Jude has club
Often confused with Saint Peter: Name Simon vs Peter (also Simon)
Notes from the Archive
- “Zealot” may mean religious zeal, not political party in all scholarship
The Twelve Apostles course
Simon and Jude in separate portraits
Use names, inscriptions and tools to distinguish two saints often commemorated together.
Study this lesson 8 min · FreePractice
