Artwork

The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthew

The Martyrdom of the Apostles:  St. Matthew, by Jacques Callot, 1632
The Martyrdom of the Apostles:  St. Matthew, by Jacques Callot, 1632

The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthew is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St.

About this work

Overview

The Martyrdom of the Apostles: St. Matthew, an etching by Jacques Callot circa 1632, depicts a dramatic scene of chaos and tension, now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates the martyrdom of St. Matthew, with the apostle being dragged away amidst a crowd of onlookers in robes and armor, while a serene, haloed figure (likely St. Matthew's spirit) ascends above the turmoil.

Technique & Style

Callot employed strong chiaroscuro, leveraging deep contrasts between light and dark to amplify the scene's emotional intensity, characteristic of the Baroque period's dramatic aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Created around 1632, the etching is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though specific details of its provenance before acquisition are not provided here.

Context

This work reflects the Baroque style's emphasis on emotional depth and dramatic composition, common in 17th-century European art, particularly in depictions of religious subjects.

Legacy

As a representative Baroque etching, it contributes to the understanding and appreciation of the period's artistic values, though its individual impact on the broader art historical canon is not specifically highlighted.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques Callot

Artist

Jacques Callot

Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.