Artwork
St Matthew the Evangelist
St Matthew the Evangelist is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Georg Gsell. It dates from 1729 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
St Matthew the Evangelist is a 1729 oil painting by Swiss Baroque artist Georg Gsell, characterized by its religious subject matter and Rococo influences.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays Apostle Matthew, identifiable by his scholarly attire and actions—writing with a quill pen on a large piece of paper. His depiction as a religious figure or scholar underscores themes of religious devotion and intellectual pursuit.
Technique & Style
Gsell employed Baroque techniques, notably chiaroscuro, alongside rich, muted colors (such as the dominant green background), creating a sense of calm contemplation infused with Rococo's ornate sensibility.
History & Provenance
Created in 1729, the painting is now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Georg Gsell (Russian: Георг Гзелль; 28 January 1673 – 22 November 1740) was a Swiss Baroque painter, art consultant and art dealer.
