Artwork
Saint Matthias
Saint Matthias is a tempera painting. It dates from 1317 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The inclusion of the book specifically identifies the subject and underscores his spiritual authority and literacy within the apostolic tradition.
The artwork portrays Saint Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, depicted here as a man holding a book, which serves as a primary iconographic attribute signifying his role in the early Church and the transmission of the Gospels. Created in 1317 by the Workshop of Simone Martini, the painting functions as a religious image intended to venerate the saint. The representation aligns with the conventions of religious art from the period, utilizing tempera on panel to present the holy figure.
The inclusion of the book specifically identifies the subject and underscores his spiritual authority and literacy within the apostolic tradition.
Technique & Style
Saint Matthias is executed in tempera on panel, a medium characteristic of early fourteenth-century Italian devotional painting. The work is modest in scale, measuring approximately 26 by 19.7 centimetres, a format consistent with small portable panels intended for private devotion. The panel support and egg-based tempera handling align with Sienese workshop practice of the period, allowing for the fine, layered brushwork and luminous surface typical of the technique.
The painting is classified as a religious work depicting the saint as a male figure accompanied by a book, rendered with the precise draftsmanship and refined finish associated with Simone Martini's workshop production.
History & Provenance
The painting titled Saint Matthias, executed in tempera on panel around 1317, is attributed to the Workshop of Simone Martini. It portrays the apostle holding a book and was originally created as a religious work for devotional use. The work measures approximately 26 × 19.7 cm and belongs to the genre of religious art.
It has been held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it is exhibited as part of the museum's European paintings.
Overview
This painting depicts Saint Matthias, rendered in tempera. The work presents a solemn male figure, distinguished by a dark beard and short hair, clad in a vibrant red robe. He holds a small green book, a common attribute for religious figures.
An inscription identifying the saint appears at the top, set against a radiant golden background encircled by Latin script.
Artist & collection
