Artwork
Martyr with an Angel
Martyr with an Angel is a chalk drawing by the Renaissance artist Jacob Matham. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jacob Matham’s 1601 drawing, titled Martyr with an Angel, is executed in pen and brown ink with a brown‑gray wash applied over black chalk. The work measures a modest size typical of intimate devotional drawings and presents a serene scene rendered in monochrome tones punctuated by subtle washes.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a female figure seated on a rock, draped in a long robe and crowned with a halo, suggesting sanctity. She holds a plate of fruit, while a small angel stands nearby, gazing at the offering. The calm expression of the woman and the inquisitive posture of the angel convey a tranquil, contemplative atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Matham combines precise pen work with delicate ink washes, allowing the underlying black chalk to emerge through the brown‑gray overlay. This layered approach creates depth and a soft modeling of forms, characteristic of early 17th‑century Dutch drawing practices that blend line and tone.
History & Provenance
Created in 1601, the drawing reflects Matham’s activity in the Dutch Republic during a period when printmakers often produced devotional studies for private collectors. The work’s provenance traces through several European collections before entering its present museum holdings, though exact ownership details remain limited.
Artist & collection
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