3-098-316 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

St Andrew, 1646. The Apostle Andrew stands upright, leaning on his cross, his head crowned with roses carried by a pair of cherubs, one of whom bears the palm of martyrdom. In the background, small figures depict the scene of his crucifixion. The connection between the Saltire (flag of Scotland) and the legendary mode of Andrew's crucifixion on a decussate or diagonal cross may have originated in the late 14th century.