“The Evangelists Luke and Matthew” is a striking oil-on-canvas work by the renowned artist Tintoretto, completed in 1557. Measuring 257 by 150 centimeters, this painting is a quintessential example of the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement, and it belongs to the genre of religious painting.
In the artwork, Tintoretto masterfully portrays the evangelists Luke and Matthew. Both figures are depicted immersed in a moment of divine inspiration, with Saint Luke appearing more aged, his bald head bent over his book, and Saint Matthew clothed in a vibrant red robe, his intense expression accentuating his fervor. They are guided by an angel, who hovers above, holding a tablet and pointing, seemingly directing the evangelists’ thoughts. The dramatic poses and the strong interplay of light and shadow typify Tintoretto’s distinctive style. The overall composition, filled with swirling clouds and dynamic movement, draws the viewer’s eye across the canvas, creating a sense of spiritual fervency and divine intervention.
