Apostel Mattias met speer 1517 - 1527

Marcantonio Raimondi created this engraving of 'Apostel Mattias met speer' sometime between 1490 and 1534. During this time, the representation of religious figures was shifting, moving away from idealized depictions. Here, Matthias is shown as an elderly man, barefoot and draped in simple cloth. The spear, a symbol of his martyrdom, doubles as a walking stick, suggesting a life of hardship. The print is small, and so it would have been easily reproducible, and widely accessible. Raimondi's work reflects a society grappling with religious reform and a growing awareness of human suffering. Matthias's downcast gaze evokes empathy, inviting viewers to contemplate the sacrifices made in the name of faith, and to maybe, just maybe, identify with the more human aspects of religious figures. The image asks us to consider our own values. What are you willing to sacrifice for your beliefs?