5 o’clock. Spear and rope. My best guess is Thomas, who is often referred to as doubting Thomas. The tradition is, that Thomas eventually traveled to India to spread the Gospel. The spear refers to Thomas’ martyrdom by being run through with a spear. While the spear definitely fits with Thomas, I am not clear about the rope with its three loops. In the context of the window a three looped rope motif is used in Andrew’s symbol indicating that he was bound by rope during his martyrdom. I don’t have any sources or artwork examples to support the binding of Thomas during his martyrdom.
The only element I have art and legend for that connects Thomas to a rope is a cincture. A cincture is a rope-like belt or cord worn over clothing. It could be used to gird up one’s loins, so to speak. Notice how the rope in this panel is finished off at the ends. The legend, which is depicted in art, is that the Virgin Mary lowered her cincture from the sky to convince doubting Thomas that she had ascended to heaven. Possible, but not a fully compelling explanation of the rope element in the symbol.
The painting entitled The Martyrdom of Saint Thomas by Rubens depicts Thomas’ martyrdom. Rubens is very recognizable, and again, the Baroque Era is really good for capturing the intensity of these scenes.
In part 10, we move to Bartholomew at the 6 o’clock position.