Our Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Plaque (Greek: Βαρθολομαῖος, German: Bartholomäus) was one of the original twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is usually identified with Nathanael (alternatively spelled Nathaniel) who is introduced to Jesus by Philip, who became an Apostle as well (John 1:43-51). Bartholomew is identified also as “Nathanael of Cana in Galilee” (John 21:2). His full name was probably Nathanael bar-Tolmai (hence the interchanging of both names, Nathanael and Bartholomew). This plaque is a most fitting gift for a birthday, confirmation, first communion, and the feast day of St. Bartholomew on August 24th.
A Solid Bronze Plaque in Three Sizes
Available in three sizes – small (p76k – 2 x 1.8 inches), medium (p63m – 4 x 3.25 inches) and large (p257g – 7.75 x 6.4 inches), this solid bronze plaque is designed to hang easily on the wall at home or in the office. This solid bronze plaque was conceived and cast by a master goldsmith of world renown in Germany. This plaque is an ideal gift for that special “Bartholomew” or “Bart” in your life!
Saint Bartholomew in Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment”
Saint Bartholomew is patron saint of tanners because, according to tradition, he was flayed alive and crucified head downward in Armenia. He is depicted in Michelangelo’s memorable facial self-portrait in the Last Judgment in the Sixtine Chapel as holding a flaying knife and his own flayed skin. Since 1300, this has been the traditional depiction of St. Bartholomew. On this bronze plaque, however, Saint Bartholomew is depicted preaching the Gospel to the crowds in Asia Minor or India. The flaying knife and palm frond of martyrdom are depicted below the crucified Christ. Saint Bartholomew is grasping his walking staff. The scallop shell on the staff is a symbol of Saint Bartholomew’s apostolic mission of baptizing the new converts into the faith.
