Using paintings in Religious Education
Saints Peter and Paul, Carlo Crivelli 1470
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/carlo-crivelli-saints-peter-and-paul
(Peter – Matthew 16:13-19; John 21:15-19 Paul – Acts 9: 1-19; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3)
Background information for teachers
(This information will not necessarily be shared with children. These interpretations are only one
viewpoint and children should be given an opportunity to form their own opinions about the
picture)
We can identify St Peter and St Paul by the symbols that they are holding.
St Peter holds keys because Jesus referred to this symbol when he gave him the responsibility
of leading the Church (Matt 16: 13-19). He is also traditionally depicted as an old man, perhaps
to symbolise his venerability. He holds a Bible, symbolising perhaps his role in spreading the
Gospel.
St Paul holds a sword because, traditionally, he is believed to have been martyred with a sword.
His hand rests on a book, representing all his writings (1 Corinthians is one of many letters St
Paul wrote to the early Church).
There is more information about the painting and the artist available on the National Gallery
website.
Ensure that the children realise:
o The picture is not historically accurate but the artist’s imaginative reconstruction
o Symbols were used so that people could identify saints easily – particularly in an age
where most couldn’t read
o St Paul never met Jesus, although he did meet the Risen Christ on the road to Damascas
(Acts 9:3-9)
The painting provides a starting point to stimulate the children’s imagination but discussion and
outcomes should always return to the scripture story.
Approach
The picture might be displayed on the interactive board and reflective music played. It is helpful
to allow the children to express their own responses to the picture before any general discussion
takes place.
When discussion and practical activities have taken place, create a prayerful atmosphere and
return to the picture so that the children are given an opportunity to reflect quietly on their own
insights.
Some activities – these suggestions are only intended to be starting points. The year groups
are approximate and questions and activities should be adapted to the needs of the children.
Year 3 and 4
Possible Curriculum Directory links:
Revelation – hear about, read and
explore Gospel accounts of how the
lives of men and women were

Discuss the picture in pairs. Use the ‘zoom’ to
examine the details. What do you notice? Why do
you think St Peter is shown with keys? Look at St
Paul. What is he holding? Why do you think his
hand is resting on a book?
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/carlo-crivelli-
changed by their encounters with
Jesus
Life in Christ – accounts in Scripture
of God’s invitation and a variety of
responses
saints-peter-and-paul
 Read or listen to Matthew 16:13-19; 1 Corinthians
1: 1-3 and talk about what you have found out.
 Look at some more paintings. Can you be a
detective and spot St. Peter and St. Paul in them?
Give your reasons
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/workshopof-dirk-bouts-the-virgin-and-child-with-saint-peterand-saint-paul
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/followersof-gerard-david-saint-peter-and-a-donor
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/followersof-gerard-david-saint-paul-and-a-donatrix
 Read John 21: 15-19 and Acts 9: 1-19. What do
you think these accounts tell us about St Peter
and St Paul? What do these accounts tell us
about encountering Jesus?
 Find out about how St. Peter and St. Paul spread
Jesus message. What do Christians believe
about the mission of the Church?
Year 5 and 6
Possible Curriculum Directory links:
Revelation – hear about, read and
explore Gospel accounts of how the
lives of men and women were
changed by their encounters with
Jesus
Church – the teaching role of the
apostles
Life in Christ – accounts in Scripture
of God’s invitation and a variety of
responses

Discuss the picture, using the ‘zoom’ to study the
details. In pairs discuss which details they can
remember from Scripture accounts. Why do they
think the artist has included these symbols?
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/carlo-crivellisaints-peter-and-paul



Read Matthew 16:13-19; 1 Corinthians: 1-3 and
talk about what you have found out
How does the Church acknowledge the lives of
these saints? (e.g. both have been canonised as
saints -feast day June 29 , Peter remembered as
the first Pope, the writings of Paul have greatly
influenced the teachings of the Church etc.)
Write a letter to someone who isn’t a Christian,
describing how important the lives of St Peter
and/or St Paul have been to the mission of the
Church. Refer to at least two separate sources
e.g. Scripture and the Church’s Tradition and/or
human experience.