Artwork
The Apostle Matthew
The Apostle Matthew is an oil painting by Anthony van Dyck. It dates from 1619 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1619, this oil painting portrays the Apostle Matthew as a contemplative figure. Executed during the early phase of the artist’s career, the work now belongs to the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister. The composition centers on a solitary man in a red shirt and blue robe, set against a dark background that emphasizes his solemn expression.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is identified as Matthew, one of the twelve evangelists, holding a book that alludes to his role as a gospel writer. His gaze is directed outward, suggesting a reflective meditation on the sacred text. The serious demeanor and the modest gesture of the hand resting on the volume convey a sense of spiritual introspection.
Technique & Style
Employing chiaroscuro, the painter models the figure with strong contrasts of light and shadow, giving the face and hands a three‑dimensional presence. The limited palette of deep reds, blues, and muted earth tones highlights the drapery while the dark backdrop recedes, focusing attention on the illuminated features. Brushwork is smooth, reflecting the influence of the artist’s mentor.
History & Provenance
The work was produced while the artist was still an assistant in the workshop of Peter Paul Rubens, whose dramatic baroque sensibilities are evident in the composition. After its creation, the painting entered various private collections before being acquired by the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, where it remains on display as an early example of the painter’s developing style.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Anthony van Dyck (; Dutch: Antoon van Dijck ; 22 March 1599 – 9 December 1641) was a Flemish Baroque artist, who became the leading court painter in England after success in the Spanish Netherlands and Italy.
