Saint Andrew By François Duquesnoy

Saint Andrew is a larger-than-life marble sculpture by François Duquesnoy, a Flemish sculptor associated with the Baroque tradition. The work depicts Saint Andrew the Apostle leaning upon the crux decussata—the diagonal cross on which he was martyred.

Although both the statues of Saint Longinus and Saint Andrew belong to the Baroque period, they differ markedly in expression and composition. In contrast to the highly dynamic and dramatic arrangement of Bernini’s Saint Longinus , Duquesnoy’s Saint Andrew conveys a sense of calm, restraint, and quiet contemplation. The saint’s garments and drapery fall gently downward, in sharp contrast to the billowing, wind-swept drapery seen in Bernini’s sculpture of Longinus.

The Term “Crux Decussata”

The crux decussata, also known as the Cross of Saint Andrew, is a diagonal, X-shaped cross. This symbol appears in the flags and heraldic emblems of several countries. The term is derived from the medieval French word “sautoir,” meaning a diagonal cross or saltire.

The Story of Saint Andrew

Saint Andrew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and the brother of Saint Peter. He was born between approximately 5 and 10 AD along the coast of Galilee, in what is now Israel. He was the son of Jonah, and his brother Simon later became Saint Peter. Before becoming disciples of Jesus, both brothers worked as fishermen.

Saint Andrew is known as the first apostle called by Jesus, earning him the title “the First-Called” in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

After the Ascension of Christ, Saint Andrew traveled extensively to preach the Gospel, particularly in Greece and regions of Eastern Europe.

Through his zealous preaching, Saint Andrew inspired Maximilla, the wife of the Roman proconsul Aegeas, who had sworn to eradicate Christianity. In 60 AD, Aegeas ordered Andrew’s crucifixion. Believing himself unworthy to suffer and die in the same manner as Jesus Christ, Andrew requested to be crucified on an X-shaped cross, which later became known as the Cross of Saint Andrew.