This painting is first recorded in an inventory of June 1627 of the Palazzo Barberini, Rome. It was probably painted not long before for Pope Urban VIII or a member of his family.
Saint Andrew is shown with his symbols of a book and a fish, referring to his activity as a fisherman, and Saint Thomas has a carpenter's square. The saints engage in lively dialogue, with the prominent hand of Saint Andrew gesturing outside the painting.
In the Barberini Collection Bernini's painting was paired with Andrea Sacchi's 'Saints Anthony Abbot and Francis of Assisi'.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1598 - 1680
Full title
Saints Andrew and Thomas
Date made
before 1627
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
61.5 x 78.1 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1967
Inventory number
NG6381
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Four Saints for Palazzo Barberini
Painting
Andrea Sacchi
before 1627
