The Twelve Apostles: Saints Bartholomew, Andrew, Matthew, James the Greater, Thaddeus, Philip, James the Lesser, Simon, Peter, Paul, Thomas, and John

Art Historical Context

In the European Paintings department of the Metropolitan of Art, visitors can admire *The Twelve Apostles*—a captivating series of twelve small panels by the Italian Renaissance master Bergognone (Ambrogio di Stefano da Fossano). Each intimately scaled work (12¼ × 6 inches) portrays one of the apostles: Saints Bartholomew, Andrew, Matthew James the Greater, Thus, Philip, James the Lesser,, Peter, Paul, Thomas, and John. Acquired through the Fletcher Fund in 1926, these panels exemplify late medieval devotion transitioning into Renaissance humanism. Crafted in oil and gold on wood, the series employs the luminous gold ground—a hallmark of religious panel painting—to evoke a divine, otherworldly glow, enhancing the apostles' solemn authority. Bergognone's style, rooted in Lombard Renaissance traditions, features graceful figures with expressive faces and subtle modeling, drawing from influences like Leonardo da Vinci. The modest dimensions suggest these may have adorned a private altarpiece or predella, inviting personal contemplation. These saints, foundational to Christian theology, symbolize the spread of the faith; note the prominence of Peter (the rock of the Church), Paul (apostle to the Gentiles), and Matthew (evangelist). Perfect for quiet reflection, the set bridges artistic innovation with timeless spiritual resonance.