Bartholomew the Apostle - The Skinless Saint

Saint Bartholomew, also known as Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. He is often identified with Nathanael, a name that appears in the Gospel of John.

Bartholomew's primary appearance in the New Testament is in the Gospel of John, where he is introduced to Jesus by Philip. In the Gospel, Jesus describes Nathanael/Bartholomew as "an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit." According to tradition, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Saint Bartholomew spread Christianity by preaching in various regions, including Armenia, India, and possibly other parts of Asia.

Bartholomew's martyrdom is also a part of tradition. It is said that he was flayed alive and crucified upside down, which became a popular motif in art representing his martyrdom. His feast day is celebrated in the Christian calendar on August 24th in the Roman Catholic Church and on June 11th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew

The martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew is a significant event in Christian tradition, particularly in relation to his death. According to various accounts and traditions, Saint Bartholomew was subjected to a gruesome execution.

One of the most widely accepted accounts of Saint Bartholomew's martyrdom is that he was flayed alive and then crucified upside down. Here's a brief overview of the traditional narrative of his martyrdom:

Flaying Alive: The accounts suggest that after Saint Bartholomew's extensive missionary work, he eventually arrived in Armenia. There, he encountered opposition from local religious authorities. It is said that King Astyages ordered his execution. The most well-known form of martyrdom attributed to Bartholomew involves his skin being flayed (removed) from his body while he was still alive.

Crucifixion Upside Down: After the gruesome act of flaying, Saint Bartholomew is said to have been crucified. However, instead of the typical upright crucifixion, he was crucified upside down. This is believed to have been a sign of respect and humility, as Bartholomew reportedly didn't consider himself worthy of dying in the same manner as Jesus Christ.

Legacy and Veneration: Despite the horrific nature of his death, Saint Bartholomew is venerated as a martyr and a faithful follower of Jesus. His willingness to endure such suffering for his faith has made him an inspiration for countless Christians throughout history.

The Flayed Saint Bartholomew Statue in Rome

In Rome, Italy, there is a famous statue known as the "Flayed Saint Bartholomew" or "Skinless Saint Bartholomew" by the Italian Renaissance artist Marco d'Agrate. This statue is located in the Basilica of St. Bartholomew, which is situated on the picturesque Island of San Bartolomeo in the middle of the Tiber River in Rome. The statue is part of a larger monument dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, the apostle and martyr.

The statue depicts Saint Bartholomew holding his own flayed skin draped over his shoulders, revealing the muscles and sinews beneath. This is a representation of the traditional narrative of Saint Bartholomew's martyrdom, where he was flayed alive before being crucified.

The monument in which the statue is located was commissioned by the Spanish cardinal Álvarez de Toledo in the 16th century. The monument was designed to house the relics of Saint Bartholomew, which had been brought to Rome from Benevento, Italy. The monument itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and is considered one of the most significant works of religious sculpture of its time.

The Basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Island is a significant pilgrimage site and also serves as a memorial to modern martyrs. The site is dedicated not only to the historical martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew but also to the memory of those who have suffered persecution and martyrdom in more recent times.