Saint-Barthélemy

José de Ribera (‘Spagnoletto’). Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew. 1624. Cleveland.

To-day is St. Bartholomew's Day, i have posted on this before [click]. English is not strictly phonetic. The spoken word comes first, then it is written, then it is formalised, and while this is happening pronunciation may change. Now, Bartholomew used to be said near the French manner, 'Bartleme'. English changed the spelling, and the pronunciation then mimicked the spelling. 

Ribera sketched and painted Bartholomew many times. Baroque religious art often portrayed piety in torment. Of Jesus' apostles, only John died of old age. There were several subjects to choose from.

The Gospels are compact. In the second half of John's first chapter, he tells of the calling of some of the apostles. The synoptic Gospels, as John, notes Nathanael as Philip's friend; but they call him by his patronymic, son (Bar) of Tolmai.

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith to him: We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus the son of Joseph of Nazareth. And Nathanael said to him: Can any thing of good come from Nazareth? Philip saith to him: Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him: and he saith of him: Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile. Nathanael saith to him: Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered, and said to him: Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. — John i. 45-48.

Phil: The Christ is here.
Nate: From Nazareth?
Jesus: A man of no false charm.
Nate: How do you know me?
Jesus: You were just under the fig tree.

Why a fig tree? This the reader/hearer has to ponder. First: Jesus was not around at that time with Nathanael Bartelme. Nathanael thought he was alone before Philip found him. Some shock and awe that a non present stranger knew this. Second: Why a fig tree? A fig tree and (grape) vine are mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, as pleasant possessions of men in peace. Perhaps, that was his happy, and/or thinking place. Third: It is a poetic choice of words, a metaphor to be used. I knew you, when you were alone by the fig tree.