Matteüs en de engel 1563 - 1590

Isaac Duchemin created this print, "Matthew and the Angel," employing engraving techniques. In this scene, we witness Matthew, seated and writing, guided by an angel, amidst a celestial gathering of cherubs and the Holy Spirit. The artist, Isaac Duchemin, existed within a society deeply shaped by religious ideologies. The piece gives us insight into the prevailing spiritual beliefs of the period. We see traditional religious narratives being reinforced through art. The depiction of Matthew highlights the divine inspiration believed to guide the creation of sacred texts. Yet, while the artwork reinforces traditional roles, it also invites a reflection on the intimacy of divine guidance. The gentle interaction between Matthew and the angel suggests a personal connection to the divine, reflecting both societal expectations and individual spiritual experiences. The image invites viewers to consider how faith shapes both collective identity and individual understanding of the world.