Matteüs de evangelist c. 1808 - 1834

Lambertus Antonius Claessens created this print of Matteüs de evangelist, date unknown, using a technique that captures light and shadow to create depth. Born in Amsterdam, Claessens's work sits within a historical context where religious and mythological subjects were often used to convey moral or philosophical ideas. The figure of Matteüs, traditionally depicted as divinely inspired, raises questions about authority, interpretation, and the role of the individual within religious doctrine. How does one reconcile personal experience with established dogma? The angel whispering into Matteüs' ear could symbolize the tension between divine inspiration and human agency. As viewers, we are invited to question the nature of truth and how it is transmitted and received. Consider the emotional weight of bearing witness to something beyond the self, and the responsibility of translating such experiences into words.