The Evangelists: St. Matthew

About this work

This etching shows two figures leaning toward each other, their faces soft and detailed. One has curly hair and wings, holding a book open with one hand while the other rests on the other figure’s shoulder. The second figure, also winged, looks down at the book, their fingers tracing the lines. The background is mostly dark, with a few faint lines suggesting a patterned surface. Notice how the artist used deep shadows and smooth shading to make the figures look three-dimensional. The wings and book hint at a religious story, likely tied to the Bible. Check out chiaroscuro to see how this dramatic lighting works in other art.