Apostel Matteüs met beurs staand in nis 1517 - 1577

Editor: Here we have an engraving, “Apostel Matteüs met beurs staand in nis,” depicting the Apostle Matthew with his purse, standing in a niche. It's from sometime between 1517 and 1577, by an anonymous artist. It gives off a very serious, almost austere, feeling. What strikes you when you look at this work? Curator: The austerity grabs me too! But beneath that, I sense a deep empathy. Look at how delicately the lines render the folds of his robe, almost lovingly, wouldn’t you say? There’s also something almost haunting in the figure's expression, wouldn’t you agree? Do you see it? The etching style reminds me a bit of peering through a historical looking glass. Editor: Yes, there's definitely a somberness. The level of detail achieved through the lines is amazing, though. It's interesting how such simple means can create such depth of emotion. I also notice the purse—it’s quite prominent. Curator: Ah, the purse! The quintessential attribute of Matthew, the former tax collector. It's a clever way of showing Matthew as the tax collector becoming St. Matthew. That pose suggests almost that Matthew might be checking on his riches for the last time... Is it me, or is there something of the actor about Matthew here? Editor: It could be read that way. Thanks. Thinking about it now, it is interesting how the artist tells the entire story about Matthew using only one image. It is not just a portrait, but more like a history painting, and this is maybe why it's not just austere, it's serious. Curator: Precisely! You are on to something profound. The piece whispers volumes about transformation, about leaving one life for another, perhaps finding redemption in the simplest of engravings. So glad you came here today, it really allowed me to share some unique thoughts that have been bottled inside me. Editor: This really has helped me to think of art as being something deeper and less superficial than I assumed at first!