Matthew the Apostle
Theodoric of Prague·1360
Historical Context
Theodoric of Prague's Matthew the Apostle belongs to the remarkable cycle of panel paintings created for the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Karlštejn Castle, commissioned by Emperor Charles IV around 1360. This cycle of over 120 half-length saints and church fathers is the most important surviving ensemble of Bohemian Gothic painting, reflecting Charles IV's ambition to make Prague a centre of art and imperial piety. Theodoric was court painter to the emperor and the leading figure of the Bohemian school, which developed a distinctively expressive, volumetric style.
Technical Analysis
Tempera on panel with the characteristically bold, three-dimensional modelling that distinguishes Theodoric's style from contemporary Italian and French Gothic painting. The saint's massive, almost sculptural presence with broad facial planes and heavy drapery reflects the Bohemian school's unique approach to sacred portraiture.
