Saint Matthew
1512
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1512
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Saint Matthew is a 1512 ink by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut shows a crowded scene with many figures. In the center, a bearded man in flowing robes holds a book and a quill, surrounded by smaller people who seem to be listening or reaching toward him. Some figures carry staffs or tools, and the background has a rocky landscape with a small building and a boat. The artist packed lots of movement into a small space, using sharp lines to show emotion. This style was common in woodcuts, where every mark had to be carved into a block. Check out the technique: woodcut to see how artists like this made prints.
