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Saint Matthew, by Hendrik Goltzius, ink, 1589

Saint Matthew

Hendrik Goltzius

1589

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

Saint Matthew is a 1589 ink by Hendrik Goltzius, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?
Hendrik Goltzius
When & what style?
1589 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?
National Gallery of Art

About this work

The painting depicts Saint Matthew, an apostle of Jesus, sitting in a contemplative pose. He is dressed in a long robe and holds a quill in his right hand, poised over an open book on his lap. A sword is visible behind him, symbolizing his martyrdom. The artist's use of cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture in the image, with intricate lines and shading that add to the overall mood of the piece. The saint's facial expression is one of quiet reflection, inviting the viewer to contemplate the message of the book. This engraving is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Renaissance period. To learn more about the techniques and styles of this era, explore the movement: Renaissance.

About the artist

Portrait of Hendrik Goltzius
Artist

Hendrik Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.

See the richer artist page

More by Hendrik Goltzius

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