St. Bartholomew Many scholars identify him with Nathaniel (John, i, 45-51; xxi, 2). The manner of his death, said to have occurred at Albanopolis in Armenia, is equally uncertain; according to some, he was beheaded, according to others, flayed alive and crucified, head downward, by order of Astyages, for having converted his brother, Polymius, King of Armenia. On account of this latter legend, he is often represented in art (e.g. in Michelangelo's Last Judgment) as flayed and holding in his hand his own skin. First Biography Second Biography Third Biography Fourth Biography Images of St. Bartholomew Painting by Michelangelo Painting by El Greco Bartholomew: Because he was flayed alive with knives his apostolic symbol is three parallel knives.