Artwork
Der hl. Matthäus
Der hl. Matthäus is an unspecified painting by the Barbizon school artist Johann Heiss. It dates from 1672 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Der hl.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Johann Heiss created this work in 1672 for the Bavarian State Painting Collections, where it remains displayed in the Alte Pinakothek.
Der hl. Matthäus depicts Matthew the Apostle, a central figure in Christian tradition whose calling as an evangelist and martyr informs the painting's spiritual significance. Johann Heiss created this work in 1672 for the Bavarian State Painting Collections, where it remains displayed in the Alte Pinakothek. The composition emphasizes Matthew's contemplative engagement, reflecting Counter-Reformation ideals of personal devotion and scholarly interpretation of scripture.
Technique & Style
The work is an oil painting executed on wood panel, measuring 62.5 cm in height by 51.4 cm in width. Johann Heiss rendered the composition with a restrained palette and clear outlines that emphasize the saint’s contemplative gaze and the richly detailed drapery, reflecting the late Baroque emphasis on naturalistic expression and textural precision. The surface shows minor craquelure consistent with age, but the overall condition remains stable, allowing the subtle gradations of light and shadow to convey depth without distracting alterations.
History & Provenance
The painting Der hl. Matthäus was created by Johann Heiss in 1672. It is a religious work depicting Matthew the Apostle, executed during the Baroque period.
The artwork is currently held by the Bavarian State Painting Collections and is displayed at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. No specific details regarding the original commission, patron, or the precise chain of ownership prior to its current institutional home are provided in the available records.
Johann Heiss's 1672 painting Der hl. Matthäus is held by the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The work is part of the permanent collection at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.
While the source confirms its presence in this specific museum, no specific inventory or accession number is provided in the available records. Additionally, the provided documentation does not list any specific exhibition history for this painting.
Overview
Der hl. Matthäus is a 1672 painting by Johann Heiss, a German Baroque artist known for his historical and religious scenes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Heiss, or Heiß (19 June 1640 – February 1704) was a German painter in the Baroque style, known for historical, Biblical and mythological scenes.
