Saint Thaddeus or Jude
The apostle Jude, or Saint Thaddeus, is represented with ageing features and is wrapped in a cloak fastened around the waist by a belt. He is holding a closed book in his left hand, while his right arm is stretched out as though resting on an item that is no longer in place, most likely the instrument of his martyrdom: a bludgeon, sword, axe or club.
The different Christian traditions do not always agree on the identity of Saint Thaddeus, who is also called Jude. Believed by some to be the brother of the apostle Simon, or even a relation of Jesus by others, Saint Thaddeus is considered to have evangelised Persia after the Ascension. He was killed alongside Simon for offending idols and was executed using a club.
the sculptor Jean-Louis Lemoyne
A student of Coysevox, he was received at the Academy with a majestic bust representing Jules-Hardouin Mansart (today in the Louvre). He worked for Versailles, sculpted a Company of Diana for Marly and, for the king, created his masterpiece: La Crainte des Traits de l’Amour (Metropolitan Museum) which has an elegant and delicate style.
