Artwork
Saint Paul (?) or Saint Matthew (?)
Saint Paul (?) or Saint Matthew (?) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The image shows a bearded figure in flowing robes, standing on a wooden floor, holding a sword in one hand and a book in the other.
Created circa 1475, this black‑and‑white print is an engraving on laid paper by Israhel van Meckenem, a German goldsmith and printmaker active in the late fifteenth century. The image shows a bearded figure in flowing robes, standing on a wooden floor, holding a sword in one hand and a book in the other. The composition is rendered in fine, sharply cut lines that emphasize the folds of the clothing and subtle shadows.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a saint, though scholars have not reached a consensus on his identity; the inscription "Maththous" above his head suggests a possible link to Saint Matthew, while the sword could also associate the image with Saint Paul. The juxtaposition of the sword and the book reflects the dual themes of martyrdom and theological authority common in devotional imagery of the period.
Technique & Style
Van Meckenem employed the engraving process, incising the design into a copper plate with a burin before printing onto laid paper. The work displays his characteristic precision: crisp line work defines the drapery, and cross‑hatching creates tonal variation. The overall style aligns with the Northern Renaissance emphasis on detailed surface treatment and clear, narrative clarity.
History & Provenance
Israhel van Meckenem, recognized as the most prolific fifteenth‑century engraver, produced over six hundred prints, many of which were copies of earlier compositions. This particular print, dated to around 1475, is part of his extensive output of religious subjects. Its survival on laid paper indicates it was likely intended for a broad audience of private devotion rather than for a specific ecclesiastical commission.
Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
