Artwork
The Angel of Saint Matthew
The Angel of Saint Matthew is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Angel of Saint Matthew is an engraving created by Martin Schongauer around 1490. It is one of 116 engravings produced by the artist during his career as a painter and engraver.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a winged angel holding an open book, likely symbolizing the evangelist Matthew. The angel's gesture, pointing upward, adds to the symbolic significance of the figure.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases Schongauer's technical skill, derived from his training in goldsmithing. The precise lines and detailed textures, such as the soft appearance of the angel's robe, demonstrate the artist's mastery of the engraving technique, which involves carving lines into a metal plate and transferring ink onto paper.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1453, Colmar – 2 February 1491, Breisach), also known as Martin Schön ("Martin beautiful") or Hübsch Martin ("pretty Martin") by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter. He…
