Artwork
The Calling of Saint Matthew
The Calling of Saint Matthew is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Marinus van Reymerswaele. It dates from 1543 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
The Calling of Saint Matthew is a 1543 oil painting by Marinus van Reymerswaele, a Dutch Renaissance artist. It is part of a broader oeuvre that includes religious and genre scenes, characterized by detailed depictions of everyday life and biblical narratives.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a pivotal biblical moment: Jesus calling Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. The scene is set in a interior with Matthew and other men, likely fellow tax collectors, engaged in their activities before the divine interruption.
Technique & Style
Executed in muted browns and greens, the work showcases Reymerswaele's attention to detail, evident in the intricate clothing and architectural elements. The dramatic lighting and stylized figures align with the Mannerist movement, which emphasized emotional intensity and compositional complexity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1543, the painting is now part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection. Reymerswaele's career spanned training in Leuven, work in Antwerp, and a return to the Northern Netherlands, reflecting the artistic exchanges of the early 16th century.
Context
As a Mannerist piece, it reflects the artistic trends of the early 16th century, which often featured complex compositions and intense emotional themes. The painting's focus on a religious narrative amidst a detailed, everyday setting was typical of the period's blend of secular and sacred subjects.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of *The Calling of Saint Matthew* on subsequent art movements are not widely documented, it remains a significant example of Reymerswaele's contribution to Dutch Renaissance painting and the Mannerist style.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marinus van Reymerswaele or Marinus van Reymerswale (c. 1490 – c. 1546) was a Dutch Renaissance painter mainly known for his genre scenes and religious compositions. After studying in Leuven and training and working as…
