Artwork

The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthias

The Martyrdom of the Apostles:  St. Matthias, by Jacques Callot, 1632
The Martyrdom of the Apostles:  St. Matthias, by Jacques Callot, 1632

The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthias is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St.

Accession no.
1958.442

About this work

Overview

The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthias, a print by Jacques Callot circa 1632, depicts a dramatic scene of religious martyrdom within a grand, empty church. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates the martyrdom of St. Matthias, an apostle, as he kneels at an altar about to be struck by a sword-wielding figure. A descending winged figure, likely an angel, bears a spear, underscoring the divine presence amidst the violence.

Technique & Style

Callot employed sharp lines and pronounced chiaroscuro, leveraging deep shadows to heighten the intensity of the moment, creating a sense of drama and tension within the composition.

History & Provenance

Created around 1632, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here, highlighting only its current repository.

Context

The work reflects the Baroque period's emphasis on dramatic lighting and emotional depth, common in depictions of martyrdom during this time, which often served to inspire devotion.

Legacy

While specific influence or notable exhibitions of this piece are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of Callot's oeuvre and 17th-century religious art.

The Martyrdom of the Apostles:  St. Matthew
The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthew, Jacques Callot

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques Callot

Artist

Jacques Callot

Jacques Callot (French: ; c. 1592 – 1635) was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine. He is an important person in the development of the old master print. He made more than 1,400 etchings that…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthias?

The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthias was painted by Jacques Callot in 1632.

Where can I see The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthias?

The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthias is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthias?

The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthias is associated with Baroque.