Important symbolism and iconography of the Apostle Bartholomew: what is depicted and why

The Apostle Bartholomew is one of the 12 closest disciples of Jesus Christ, whose life has become an example for believers. His name is known not only for his missionary work and martyrdom, but also as a symbol of spiritual fortitude. In the iconography of the saint, one can see deep images of faith and suffering, and prayers to him are addressed by those who seek healing, truth, and inner peace. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

Who is the Apostle Bartholomew?: what is famous for

The Apostle Bartholomew is one of the significant figures of early Christianity, who was one of the 12 closest disciples of Jesus Christ. His name is mentioned in all the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and in the Gospel of John he appears under the name Nathanael. In the church tradition, these two names are combined, considering that we are talking about the same person. It is believed that Bartholomew was from Cana of Galilee, the city where Christ performed the first miracle by turning water into wine.

According to legend, Bartholomew was a straightforward, sincere and deeply religious man. His encounter with Christ is described in the Gospel of John, where Jesus calls Nathanael a true Israelite in whom there is no guile. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, Bartholomew, like the other apostles, went to preach the gospel in different countries. Church sources mention that he preached in Syria, Arabia, Persia, India, Mesopotamia and Asia Minor.

According to ancient Christian traditions, Bartholomew, along with the Apostle Philip and his sister Mary, preached in the city of Hierapolis (modern territory of Turkey). There they converted many pagans, including the wife of the local ruler. This provoked the fury of the authorities, and the apostles were severely tortured.

Subsequently, Bartholomew continued his mission to Armenia, where, according to legend, he baptized King Polymius and many inhabitants of his kingdom. However, the ruler's brother, the priest Astyages, became angry and ordered the apostle to be seized and martyred.

Different sources describe the circumstances of his death in different ways. According to the most famous version, Bartholomew was skinned alive, after which he was beheaded. This martyrdom became a symbol of faith and fortitude. In the West, the Apostle Bartholomew is revered as the patron saint of artisans, tanners and butchers, and in the eastern Church as an example of a true disciple who is ready to endure suffering for the sake of faith.

The saint's relics were located in Armenia, Mesopotamia and India at various times, and in the 9th century, according to legend, they were transferred to Rome. Now the main shrine associated with the name of the apostle is kept on the island of Tiberina in the Basilica of St. Bartholomew, which is considered one of the centers of his veneration in the Catholic world.

How the Apostle Bartholomew is depicted: symbolism in iconography

The iconography of the Apostle Bartholomew was formed gradually and absorbed the symbolism of martyrdom, missionary work and spiritual achievement. In the Orthodox tradition, he is often depicted in apostolic robes — a long tunic and a himalaya, with an open Gospel or scroll in his hand. It is a symbol of his preaching mission and spreading the word of God.

However, a special detail that distinguishes Bartholomew from the other apostles is the instrument of his martyrdom. He can hold a knife in his hands, which, according to legend, was used to skin him. Sometimes a scroll is depicted nearby, indicating his missionary work, or a cross symbolizing his martyrdom.

In Western European art, especially in Renaissance and Baroque paintings, Bartholomew often appears with his own skin removed from his body. This image became famous thanks to Michelangelo's fresco "The Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel, where the saint holds a knife and his own skin in his hand — a symbol of loyalty to God even in suffering. Researchers believe that the artist depicted the face on the skin from his own features, emphasizing the idea of spiritual rebirth through suffering.

In the iconographic tradition of Eastern Europe, Bartholomew is depicted as a mature man with short hair and a small beard, with a calm and thoughtful expression. This does not emphasize the horror of martyrdom, but the inner strength and light of his faith. The image of the apostle became part of the overall iconographic series of the 12 apostles, whose images adorn the iconostases and temple arches.

The removed skin is interpreted as a metaphor for the renunciation of an earthly, old man for the sake of spiritual transformation. Thus, even the darkest elements of his image in the Christian tradition carry not horror, but hope for salvation and eternal life.

What is asked of the Apostle Bartholomew

In the Orthodox tradition, the Apostle Bartholomew is revered as a saint who is prayed to for spiritual perseverance, healing, and help in difficult circumstances. It is believed that he especially helps those who have doubts about their faith and need support to strengthen their spirit and free themselves from fear.

One of the most common areas of prayer addressed to Bartholomew is a request for healing of mental and physical ailments. According to church traditions, during his ministry he healed the sick and cast out evil spirits. In some monasteries, where the particles of his relics are kept, prayers for his health are still performed.

Believers also turn to the apostle with requests for protection from slander, unfair judgment and evil from other people. Bartholomew is considered the patron saint of those who are unfairly attacked and seek the truth. In the folk tradition, he was called a helper of the suffering and an intercessor in trials, believing that he helps to find inner peace and self-control.

In the Catholic tradition, Bartholomew is often asked for help by artisans, tailors, shoemakers and craftsmen working with leather. This custom goes back to the symbolism of his martyrdom. For ordinary believers, he is an example of unconditional devotion to God, willingness to go to the end for the sake of truth and faith.

In Armenia, where Bartholomew is considered one of the founders of the church, prayers are addressed to him for peace, harmony in the family and protection from adversity. In some regions, the day of his memory is accompanied by processions, consecration of water and prayers for travelers.

Modern theologians note that the appeal to Bartholomew symbolizes not only the request for a miracle, but also the desire for inner honesty and purity, which were the distinctive feature of the apostle. He reminds believers that true strength lies not in external might, but in the ability to remain true to one's beliefs, even if the path is fraught with pain and trials.