The artwork “Apostle St. Matthew” is attributed to the renowned artist El Greco, a master of the Spanish Renaissance, particularly known for his contributions to the Mannerist movement. This religious painting was executed around 1612 in Spain and exemplifies El Greco’s distinct style. The piece is created using oil on canvas and measures 97 by 77 centimeters. This work is part of the collection held at the El Greco Museum in Toledo, Spain, showcasing El Greco’s ability to convey spiritual and dramatic intensity in his paintings.
The artwork features the figure of St. Matthew, an apostle, engaged in the act of writing or reading. The figure is depicted with a flowing beard and a contemplative gaze, suggesting a moment of intense reflection or divine inspiration. El Greco’s signature use of elongated figures and dramatic lighting is evident. The deep shadows and highlights accentuate the contours of St. Matthew’s face and his drapery. The palette is characterized by the juxtaposition of somber and luminous colors—the deep reds and earth tones of his clothing contrast with the striking blue of the garment draped over his shoulder.
St. Matthew’s hands are rendered with delicate care, one holding a pen indicating the process of inscription, while the other supports the pages of an open book, possibly the Gospel attributed to him. The use of chiaroscuro, the stark contrasts between light and dark, adds a three-dimensional quality to the figure, emphasizing the spiritual aura that surrounds him. The background is minimal, darkened to keep the viewer’s focus firmly on the saint, who emerges from the shadows as a beacon of spiritual contemplation and authority. Overall, El Greco’s work captures the essence of the Counter-Reformation’s emphasis on religious figures and divine revelation, a fitting representation of the responses to the religious turmoil of the era.
