Artwork Page for St. Matthew

Details / Information for St. Matthew

St. Matthew

1799

William Blake

(British, 1757–1827)
Culture
England
Medium
tempera on canvas
Measurements
Overall: 38.5 x 26.5 cm (15 3/16 x 10 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 2017.4
Public Domain
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Location
203B British Painting and Decorative Arts
Print
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Did You Know?

Like St. Matthew, William Blake reported having visions of angels throughout his life.

Description

The energy and awe with which the evangelist Saint Matthew responds to the angel presenting the divinely inspired text echoes William Blake’s attitude toward artistic inspiration. From childhood Blake experienced visions that are reflected in the otherworldliness of his work. While Blake was not embraced by the fine art establishment, a small group of patrons believed in his genius and commissioned works in which his unusual visions had free rein.
A vertically oriented tempera painting depicts Saint Matthew, an elderly man with a white beard and light skin tone, wearing a flowing white robe. He reaches toward a scroll held by a large-winged angel standing behind him. The angel gazes down with a soft expression. Both figures are bathed in a warm gold glow, emerging from a dark, shadowy background. Red Latin text, including the name MATTHAEUS, is inscribed upon the scroll's surface.

St. Matthew

1799

William Blake

(British, 1757–1827)
England

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