310. MS M.917/945, pp. 234–235

Matthias was chosen by the other apostles to fill the spot left vacant by Judas Iscariot, following his betrayal and subsequent suicide. The apostle stands on scalloped tiles in front of a green backdrop rich with floral decoration. The white turban may reflect his role as a preacher of the Gospel in Ethiopia. The axe is the instrument of his martyrdom: after surviving a stoning in Jerusalem, he was beheaded with an axe. The weapon is seen again in the borders, where three swastikas are comprised of four axes each.