Who painted The Calling of Matthew?

The Calling of Matthew was painted by Léonard Gaultier in 1578.

Where can I see The Calling of Matthew?

The Calling of Matthew is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Calling of Matthew?

The Calling of Matthew is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Calling of Matthew

Léonard Gaultier , 1578

The Calling of Matthew is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Léonard Gaultier. It dates from 1578 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Calling of Matthew is an engraving created by French artist Léonard Gaultier around 1578. This print depicts a pivotal biblical moment within a detailed, everyday setting.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving illustrates the biblical scene of Matthew's calling. The composition juxtaposes the mundane (a figure counting coins indoors) with the monumental (a bustling harbor and prominent tower visible through a window), suggesting a moment of transformative significance.

Technique & Style

Executed entirely with the graver, the work showcases Gaultier's precise, stiff, and formal style, akin to the Wierix and Crispyn van de Passe. Fine lines create depth, shadows, and texture, lending solidity to figures and architecture.

History & Provenance

Léonard Gaultier, born in Mainz circa 1561 and active in Paris until his death in 1641, produced this engraving as part of a diverse oeuvre including portraits and self-designed subjects.

Context

As an engraving, The Calling of Matthew reflects the artistic and technical practices of its time, inviting viewers to appreciate the intersection of religious narrative and daily life in a meticulously rendered environment.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of The Calling of Matthew are not highlighted, the piece contributes to the broader understanding of 16th-century engraving techniques and the interpretation of biblical themes in early modern European art.