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| Synaxis of the Apostles Constantinople, second half of the 14th century From Pantokrator Monastery in Mount Athos. This icon represents the synaxis or assembly of the Twelve Apostles. The most prominent among the group bear individualized features: John, second from the right in the front row, has a receding hairline and a long beard and holds his Gospel book with both hands; Peter, making a gesture of speech towards John, is represented as a middle-aged man with gray hair and a short beard; Matthew, turing toward John, holds his Gospel book open, revealing a text rendered in Pseudo-Hebrew letters. Less well known apostles relegated to the second row, show more generic characteristics, with the exception of Andrew in the middle, who is set apart by his disheveled hair. |