Who painted The Calling of Matthew?

The Calling of Matthew was painted by Otto van Veen in 1606.

Where can I see The Calling of Matthew?

The Calling of Matthew is held by Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

What movement is The Calling of Matthew?

The Calling of Matthew is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of The Calling of Matthew?

Museum-quality prints of The Calling of Matthew are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Calling of Matthew

Otto van Veen , 1606

The Calling of Matthew is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Otto van Veen. It dates from 1606 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

About this work

Overview

Otto van Veen’s oil painting The Calling of Matthew, executed in 1606, portrays a biblical moment in which Jesus summons a man to become his disciple. The work is part of the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp and exemplifies early‑17th‑century religious narrative painting.

Subject & Meaning

Jesus rests his right hand on the man’s chest and holds a book in his left, suggesting the transmission of authority and knowledge.

At the centre of the composition a figure in a reddish‑brown tunic and leggings looks toward Jesus, who stands with a gray robe and a red cloak draped over his left shoulder. Jesus rests his right hand on the man’s chest and holds a book in his left, suggesting the transmission of authority and knowledge. The surrounding onlookers react with varying degrees of attention, emphasizing the transformative impact of the call.

Technique & Style

Van Veen employs a clear chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated figures against a darker interior to focus the viewer’s eye on the central encounter. The use of oil allows for subtle modelling of flesh and fabric, while the architectural backdrop and cloudy sky provide depth and a sense of spatial realism typical of the period’s Flemish painters.

History & Provenance

Created in the early 1600s, The Calling of Matthew entered the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s workshop, reflecting van Veen’s role as a teacher to younger artists, including the young Peter Paul Rubens.