Saints Matthias and Judas Thaddaeus, from The Apostles 1435 - 1503

This engraving, "Saints Matthias and Judas Thaddaeus, from The Apostles," by Israhel van Meckenem, is a masterful example of Northern Renaissance art. Created between 1435 and 1503, this work depicts the two apostles within their respective niches, each holding an attribute that symbolizes their martyrdom. The detail and realism of Meckenem's engraving are evident in the figures' drapery, expressions, and the intricate architectural elements that frame the composition. This print, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the artist's skill in depicting religious figures with both reverence and realism.