The Apostolic Ideal at the Monastery of Saint John in Müstair, Switzerland
Kirsten Ataoguz
In the painted program of monastery Saint John in Müstair, Switzerland, emphasis on apostolic mission to preach—given at Christ’s Ascension, then fulfilled by missions and martyrdoms apostles figures—connects monks Müstair local empire wide trends. The original were prominently depicted church apsidal arch west wall lowest register long walls, while apses plot tradition that leads from resident monks. north apse authenticates Paul’s apostolate through images his pairing with Peter Traditio clavium et legis, their meeting, dispute Simon Magus; settling a between Jewish Christians Gentile justifies highlights apostolate. continues south figure Vigilius, whose Passio activity preaching dominates. Finally, Baptist prefigures all as sort protoapostle who, baptizing, most pertinently models convergence monastic vocation pastoral engagement. John’s patronage sanctuary links theme frescoes who worshipped before them.
Gesta