Durer: The Four Apostles

The last of Durer’s great paintings The Four Apostles was larger
 than life. These four are recognized by the symbols they hold. On the right are Sts. Paul and Luke; Luke is clutching a scroll, and Paul stands with a sheathed sword and closed book in his hands. On the left are Sts. Peter and John; Peter is towards the back with the Key of Heaven, while John is in the forefront reading a book. St. John calls to mind the love he had for Jesus. St. Paul with a sword sheathed, as his zeal for fighting against Christians was sheathed, while holding and accepting the Gospel. St. Luke, with his scroll, gives evidence to the gentiles of Christ’s legitimate claim of Son of God. The key St. Peter holds is representative of his office, the Chair of Peter, which is the papacy, the head of the Visible Body of Christ.