Recognising saints: objects

Attributes are symbols which are used by artists to represent particular saints. They are often drawn from an event in the saint's life.

Test your knowledge – can you identify the saints below from their objects?

Recognising saints: book and sword

Discover which saint is commonly represented by a book and sword

Recognising saints: candle

Which saint had a candle which was reputed to have healed many people?

Recognising saints: cleaver

Which saint was killed by assassins on his way to Milan?

Recognising saints: golden balls

Find out which saint gave a gift of three golden balls

Recognising saints: keys

Which saint is traditionally represented by keys?

Recognising saints: music

Find out which saint declared her devotion to Christ through music

Recognising saints: pot

Discover which saint anointed Christ's feet

Recognising saints: veil

Which saint gave her veil to Christ as he carried his cross to Calvary?

Recognising saints: wheel

Find out which saint was tortured on a wheel for refusing to renounce her faith

Many saints are represented by objects. Others are represented by animals or parts of the body:

More attributes – animals and the body