SHORT VERSION Apostle Portrait "Saint Judas Thaddaeus" Oil on Canvas, probably 18th Century, mounted on stretcher frame A half-length portrait of Saint Judas Thaddaeus (not Judas Iscariot), identified by his typical attributes: the club/staff (symbol of martyrdom) and a book (symbol of apostolic teaching). The work is executed in oil on canvas, featuring the pensive, spiritually dignified style of late Baroque to early Neoclassicism. The apostle is clothed in a large mantle of warm ochre/earth tones. The painting is mounted on a later, professionally executed stretcher frame. It is in good, authentic condition with age-related craquelure and patina. It was originally part of a set of four apostle portraits which are now available for auction in my Catawiki profile. Dimensions: approx. 50 × 40 cm (19.7 x 15.7 inches). Shipping Note: If you bid on more than one auction of the four apostles, you only pay shipment one time. LONG VERSION Title Apostle Portrait “Saint Judas Thaddaeus” Oil on Canvas, probably 18th Century, mounted on stretcher frame This painting formed part of a set of four apostolic portraits, each offered individually in separate listings on my profile. The final image of the gallery shows the complete set. The present work depicts Saint Judas Thaddaeus, one of the Twelve Apostles, traditionally recognizable through his characteristic attributes, Jude Thaddeus is not Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. The similarity of names has often led to confusion, but they are two different apostles. Typical iconographic representations from the 17th and 18th centuries show him with a club or staff, symbolizing his martyrdom, and often with a book, indicating his role as a teacher of the Gospel. Dimensions Approx. 50 × 40 cm (measured with the iPhone Measure App; deviations possible) Object Oil painting on canvas, likely dating to the 18th century. Mounted on a later stretcher frame in a professionally executed manner. The canvas exhibits expected craquelure and an authentically aged patina consistent with devotional artworks of this period. Depiction The painting presents a half-length portrait of Saint Judas Thaddaeus in a composed, introspective posture. He is shown turned slightly to one side, his facial expression calm, pensive, and marked by a sense of spiritual dignity. The apostle is portrayed with a full beard, expressive eyes, and a gentle, compassionate expression — characteristics that emphasize his role as a bringer of hope and intercessor in difficult causes. His halo softly illuminates the head, blending into the atmospheric background and reinforcing the sacred character of the image. His clothing consists of a large mantle in warm ochre or earthy tones. In his hand he holds a club/staff — the instrument of his martyrdom and a book, symbolizing apostolic teaching. These elements clearly identify him within the apostolic cycle. The background remains neutrally toned, softly blended, and free of narrative elements, allowing full focus on the saint. Technique and Style Executed in oil on canvas with stylistic features consistent with late Baroque and early Neoclassical ecclesiastical workshop production: • Facial modelling with subtle glazes, warm and red flesh tones, and soft transitions • Drapery rendered in broad, structured folds, employing light-dark contrasts for sculptural effect • Color palette combining warm earth tones and gentle highlights • Light source falling softly, illuminating face and hands while enhancing the three-dimensionality of the garments • Background atmospheric, neutral, creating a spiritual rather than narrative setting The craftsmanship suggests the work of a skilled workshop painter familiar with traditional Catholic iconography. Dating and Context Although unsigned, the painting’s stylistic and technical characteristics point to an 18th-century origin. Apostolic portrait cycles were common commissions for: • parish churches • monasteries • chapels • private devotional rooms Saint Judas Thaddaeus appears frequently in such cycles, distinguished by his specific attributes and revered as a patron saint invoked in difficult and desperate situations. Stylistic Classification These elements produce a quiet, prayerful atmosphere typical of apostolic series intended for liturgical or devotional use. Framing Mounted on a later stretcher frame. No original historical frame is preserved or included. The canvas is stable and can be easily reframed to suit its intended display setting. Condition • Canvas: stable, without major losses • Paint layer: fine and consistent craquelure appropriate for age • Surface: matte with natural patina • Edges: minor abrasion consistent with historic artworks • Overall: authentic, well-preserved devotional painting with no disturbing retouching visible in photographs but it is still possible that there were some retouchings done in all this long time. Art Historical Significance and Interpretation As part of an apostolic cycle, the painting carries strong theological symbolism. Judas Thaddaeus is historically associated with: • perseverance in faith • missionary work • intercession in desperate causes • apostolic authority through Scripture and teaching His attributes — especially the club and book — emphasize both his martyrdom and his spiritual mission. The restrained composition and devotional tone align with the tradition of sacred portraiture created for meditation, instruction, and veneration within Christian communities of the 18th century. Conclusion A spiritually expressive and well-crafted portrait of Saint Judas Thaddaeus, executed in the tradition of Baroque–Neoclassical ecclesiastical painting. Its warm color palette, gentle modelling, and clear apostolic attributes make it a characteristic and culturally significant work within a classical apostolic cycle. Title: Apostle Portrait “Saint Judas Thaddaeus” Artist: unknown, probably 18th-century workshop painter Technique: Oil on canvas Date: Probably 18th century Mounting: Later stretcher frame Condition: Good, authentic patina Significance: Part of an apostolic cycle; traditional Baroque/early Neoclassical sacred art. Saint Jude Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, the brother of the Apostle James the Less, and often mentioned together with the Apostle Simon the Zealot (“the Zealous One”). He is regarded as the “patron saint of desperate causes,” since, according to tradition, he died as a martyr in Armenia. He is depicted with a medallion of Christ because he is said to have worn an image of Christ on his garment. He is often mistakenly confused with Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. Who he was: • Apostle: He was one of Jesus’ closest disciples. • Name variants: In the Bible, he is referred to as “Judas, son of James” (Luke) or simply as “Thaddeus” (Matthew, Mark), which means “the courageous one.” • Mission: He is said to have preached in Syria, Mesopotamia, Armenia, and Persia. Why he is considered a saint (legend): • Martyr’s death: According to tradition, he was beaten to death by pagan priests in Persia, which is why he is often depicted with a club. • Patron saint: He is venerated as the saint of hope in hopeless situations, as he was rediscovered after long being forgotten and is believed to offer help in times of need. Distinction from Judas Iscariot: • Jude Thaddeus is not Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. The similarity of names has often led to confusion, but they are two different apostles. The dating of 18the Century is likely but not sure, in rare probability the painting can also be younger or older. Please only take the picture as relevant for your decisions and only bid when you have enough skill and Knowledge to know the age.