Saint Matthew

Ugolino di Nerio's Saint Matthew likely formed part of one of his large-scale polyptych commissions, possibly the celebrated Santa Croce altarpiece in Florence. Ugolino was unique among Sienese painters in receiving major Florentine commissions, testament to his stature in the early Trecento art world. The representation of individual apostles and evangelists as dignified, monumental figures was central to the visual program of Gothic altarpieces.

Tempera and gold on panel, with the evangelist presented as a dignified figure holding his gospel attribute against a luminous gold ground. Ugolino's painting combines the refined linearism of the Sienese school with a sculptural weight and gravity that appealed to Florentine patrons.