> The apostles frequently, but not always, are symbolized by their
> instruments of martyrdom. Thus the St. Andrew cross. I susapect that
> Paul's symbolism started with the instrument & found additional meaning
> in the text.
The martyrdom attributes of the Apostles are actually a remarkably
late development. About the earliest group representation to survive
is on the central portal of the south transept of Chartres Cathedral
from the early 13th century. And even there, problems of exact
identification persist since the accounts of the deaths of the
Apostles are not by any means all well recorded. Previous to his
holding a sword, St Paul was often represented with a rotulus,
representing the authority of his writings, and paired with St Peter
holding the keys, representing his authority over the church. When
martyrdom attributes appeared, Peter was often lumbered with both his
cross and the keys, as against Paul's lone sword, which would
certainly suggest multiple meanings for the sword, related both to
martyrdom and scriptural authority. Exegetical habits of mind were
adept at according objects multiple meanings.
Cheers,
Jim Bugslag
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