Module 02 · lesson 2 of 5
“Twelve sent, twelve remembered — the roster artists never abandon.”
Last Supper, Pentecost, and apostolic galleries all assume this fixed college.
The canonical Twelve
Matthias replaces Judas Iscariot — omit Judas when counting post-Resurrection programs.
Witness and authority
The apostles were chosen witnesses to Christ’s ministry, death, and Resurrection. Art encodes that authority through martyrdom attributes and Gospel symbolism.
Calling of the Apostles
Apostolos — one sent. Vocation scenes establish the mission before attribute study.
Domenico Ghirlandaio, Sistine Chapel
The canonical Twelve
Matthew 10 lists the Twelve. After Judas, Matthias completes the roster in Acts 1. This course covers exactly those twelve — no Paul, Mark, or Luke.
- ✦Peter, Andrew, James the Greater, John
- ✦Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas
- ✦James the Less, Simon, Jude Thaddeus, Matthias
The Last Supper
Twelve seats at table — the canonical headcount artists return to.
Leonardo da Vinci, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan
Historical note
Matthias completes the roster
After Judas’s death, the community casts lots for Matthias (Acts 1:26). Programs showing only eleven apostles omit a crucial figure.
Common mistake
Paul is not among the Twelve
Paul’s authority is real in theology, but he was not at the Last Supper. Do not count him when numbering apostles at table.
The Twelve in sacred programs
The Last Supper
Twelve seats at table — the canonical headcount artists return to.
Leonardo da Vinci, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan
Pentecost
The apostolic college gathered as the Spirit descends.
Duccio di Buoninsegna, Maestà altarpiece
.jpg/960px-The_Calling_of_Saint_Matthew-Caravaggo_(1599-1600).jpg)
Apostolic calling
Christ’s gesture and the apostolic response — narrative before attributes.
Caravaggio
Your goal this lesson
Define “apostle” in its strict iconographic sense and name the canonical Twelve who form this course’s roster.
Memory hooks
Tap to flipFull lesson text
Optional reading — the visual sections above cover the essentials.
From the tradition
Synoptic lists
Matthew 10, Mark 3, and Luke 6 agree on the Twelve with minor ordering differences—use these lists as your authoritative headcount in art.
Key takeaway
Apostolos means “sent”; this course means the Twelve, not the wider missionary tradition.
You practiced: Define “apostle” in its strict iconographic sense and name the canonical Twelve who form this course’s roster.