I'm leaving, but where to?
The Twelve Apostles and Jesus Christ from the former Rood Screen of St. Paul's Cathedral
Johann Brabender
1536–1542
Sandstone
Münster Cathedral Treasury, inv. nos. E.42–E.48, E.51, E.53–E.57
The Apostles originate from the former rood screen of St. Paul's Cathedral. They were once displayed on the side of the rood screen facing the nave. The rood screen separated the chancel from the nave.
The Apostles are seated on individual small benches and chairs. Some of them hold books in their hands. These refer to their role as messengers who proclaim the word of God.
They also hold various objects that refer to their martyrdom. For their faith, they suffered violent deaths, for example by the sword or the club.
Only a single Apostle carries no instrument of martyrdom. This is the Apostle John. He alone is said to have died a natural death. John presents a chalice, which refers to another event in his life.
Jesus Christ is depicted as Judge of the World. He was positioned in the centre of the row of Apostles on the rood screen.
