Artwork
The Evangelist Saint Luke
The Evangelist Saint Luke is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Joachim Wtewael. It dates from 1610 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1610, *The Evangelist Saint Luke* is an oil painting by Dutch artist Joachim Wtewael. Executed in the Mannerist idiom that flourished in Haarlem at the turn of the 17th century, the work presents a solitary, bearded figure rendered with meticulous detail. It now belongs to the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is the apostle Luke, traditionally identified as the author of the third Gospel. He is shown holding a sheet of paper and a writing implement, symbols of his role as a chronicler of Christ’s life. The solemn expression and modest attire underscore the contemplative nature of his vocation.
Technique & Style
Wtewael employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, allowing the illuminated face and hands to emerge from a predominantly dark backdrop. The contrast creates a sense of volume, while the careful rendering of textures—such as the roughness of the hands and the sheen of the dark‑green doublet—reflects the polished finish typical of Northern Mannerism.
History & Provenance
Trained within the late‑16th‑century Haarlem school, Wtewael became a leading figure of Dutch Mannerism, known for his elegant compositions and intricate poses. *The Evangelist Saint Luke* has remained in Dutch hands since its creation, eventually entering the Rijksmuseum’s holdings where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Dutch Golden Age collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Joachim Anthoniszoon Wtewael (Dutch pronunciation: ; 1566 – 1 August 1638), also known as Uytewael (pronounced ), was a Dutch Mannerist painter and draughtsman, as well as a highly successful flax merchant, and town councillor of Utrecht.
