Artwork
Saint Matthew
Saint Matthew is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas van Leyden. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created circa 1510, this copperplate engraving portrays the apostle Matthew, one of the four evangelists, in a solemn stance.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1510, this copperplate engraving portrays the apostle Matthew, one of the four evangelists, in a solemn stance. The figure is robed, barefoot, and crowned with a halo, holding a staff that underscores his role as a teacher. The composition is rendered on a plain ground plane, allowing the viewer’s focus to remain on the saint’s dignified presence.
Subject & Meaning
Matthew is traditionally linked to the authorship of the first Gospel, and his depiction here emphasizes his authority as a chronicler of Christ’s life. The staff he clutches may symbolize guidance and the transmission of the Gospel message, while the halo signals his sanctified status within the Christian tradition.
Technique & Style
The engraving demonstrates Lucas van Leyden’s mastery of line work, employing fine cross‑hatching to suggest volume and surface texture. Variations in line density create subtle gradations of light and shadow, giving the robe and cloak a tactile quality. The precise incisions reflect the early Netherlandish penchant for detailed, narrative‑clear imagery.
History & Provenance
Lucas van Leyden, born in 1494 in the Netherlands, was a prominent figure among the first generation of Dutch printmakers. His output included both religious subjects and genre scenes, with this work representing his engagement with biblical themes. The print has survived through multiple impressions, circulating among collectors of early Renaissance prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas van Leyden (1494 – 8 August 1533), was a Dutch painter and printmaker in engraving and woodcut. Lucas van Leyden was among the first Dutch exponents of genre painting and was a very accomplished engraver.
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