Apostel Matthias met speer 1623 - 1660

This engraving of Apostle Matthias, spear in hand, was created by Pieter de Bailliu around 1613. The composition shows the subject on a pedestal, haloed, and draped in fabric while holding a book in one arm. The lines are deeply etched, giving the figure a strong, dimensional presence against the stark background. De Bailliu masterfully uses hatching and cross-hatching to create areas of shadow and light, defining the texture of Matthias’ robes and beard, and the hard, reflective surface of the spear. The radiating lines of the halo both isolate and elevate the figure within the frame. The contrast between the soft, organic forms of the apostle and the rigid geometry of the pedestal establishes a visual hierarchy, emphasizing Matthias’s spiritual authority. The spear, a symbol of both power and martyrdom, complicates this reading, inviting a deeper consideration of the intersection between faith, power, and sacrifice.