Apostel Mattias met speer 1517 - 1577

Editor: Here we have an engraving, dating from 1517-1577, titled "Apostel Mattias met speer," or Apostle Matthias with spear. It’s housed right here at the Rijksmuseum. It’s quite small, and the cross-hatching gives it a sort of wiry energy. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, you've hit on something important already. It's intimate, isn't it? You have to lean in, almost as if Matthias is sharing a secret. To me, the wiry lines create a palpable sense of… anticipation, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface of his composure. Notice how the artist renders the fabric, all those swirling folds—it almost feels like another character in the scene, adding to the drama. Editor: Yes, the robe almost has a life of its own! It reminds me of ancient Roman sculpture, with all those drapes. Does that influence come across to you? Curator: Absolutely! The Mannerist style loved to play with classical forms, twisting them, exaggerating them. Look at Matthias's elongated fingers, the somewhat theatrical pose. It’s classic Mannerism – beauty with a slightly unsettling edge. And that spear – is it a weapon, or a symbol of faith? Editor: Hmm, a symbol, I think. Or maybe both. He does look pretty intense. I guess I always just saw the spear literally, but considering it as symbolic adds so much. Curator: Precisely! Sometimes, the most obvious details hide the richest meanings. Always question, always look again, and see where the image leads you. Editor: It definitely changes my perspective on prints. I often overlooked them for larger paintings. Curator: Small but mighty, that's their secret. A whole world held in the palm of your hand.