Who painted St. Matthew?

St. Matthew was painted by William Blake in 1799-01-01.

Where can I see St. Matthew?

St. Matthew is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is St. Matthew?

St. Matthew is associated with British Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of St. Matthew?

Museum-quality prints of St. Matthew are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

St. Matthew

William Blake , 1800

St. Matthew is an unspecified painting by the British Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

History & Provenance

Matthew by William Blake was created in 1800, as documented in both internal records and the Cleveland Museum of Art's holdings.

The painting St. Matthew by William Blake was created in 1800, as documented in both internal records and the Cleveland Museum of Art's holdings.

It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains located. The work is classified as religious art and aligns with Blake's known production during this period. No record of a dedicated exhibition devoted solely to this piece is documented in the available sources.

Overview

William Blake's St. Matthew, painted in 1800, exemplifies the British Romantic movement. This artwork is a testament to Blake's multifaceted career as an English poet, painter, and printmaker, whose creations are characterized by their profound symbolism and imaginative scope. The painting is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a winged figure cradling a child, a common motif in religious art. The adult figure, adorned with a leafy wreath and flowing robe, possesses pale skin, their expansive wings subtly merging with the warm, golden light of the background. The serene child gazes upward, resting gently against the adult's arm, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation or instruction.

Technique & Style

Blake employed dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, to enhance the emotional impact of St. Matthew. The figures are rendered with striking clarity against the darker periphery of the composition, drawing the viewer's attention to their forms. The soft textures of the robe and the subtle blending of the wings into the background demonstrate a delicate handling of paint and tone.

Context

As a prominent figure of British Romanticism, William Blake's artistic output, including St. Matthew, is deeply infused with symbolic meaning and imaginative vision. His work often explored spiritual and mythological themes, reflecting the era's emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the sublime. Blake's unique blend of visual art and poetry contributed to his distinctive place within this influential cultural movement.