St. Matthias
c. 1578
Hendrick Goltzius, a Dutch master of engraving, captures the dramatic dual narrative of Saint Matthias in this intense 1578 print. On the left, the saint stands stoic and monumental, clutching a massive book and his signature executioner's axe—ironic foreshadowing of his fate. To the right, the scene explodes into Mannerist chaos: Matthias is shown being beheaded, his head held aloft while soldiers and onlookers react with theatrical frenzy. The Latin inscription at the bottom narrates his martyrdom, noting how he 'gave his neck to the axe' after spreading the gospel. Goltzius’s incredible attention to muscular detail and swirling drapery makes this print feel like a high-definition action movie freeze-frame.
- Technique
- Engraving
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