St. Matthew
c. 1578
Hendrick Goltzius was the rockstar of engraving in the late 16th century, and this dramatic scene shows exactly why. We see St. Matthew standing stoically on the left with a halo, while a chaotic scene of martyrdom erupts behind him—a soldier raises a sword to strike a victim at an altar. The style is pure Mannerism: look at those swirling, exaggerated robes and the theatrical poses of the fleeing figures. The Latin verses at the bottom explain that Matthew rejected worldly comforts to preach Christ, ultimately giving his life. Goltzius was famous for his incredible skill with a burin, making his lines swell and shrink to create a sense of volume that rivals painting.
- Technique
- Engraving
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