Matthew the Apostle
Anthony van Dyck·1619
Historical Context
Matthew the Apostle (1619-20), now in the King Baudouin Foundation collection, depicts the tax collector called by Christ to become one of the twelve apostles. Van Dyck's apostle figures from his first Antwerp period demonstrate his mastery of character painting — each apostle rendered as a distinct individual with specific physiognomy and emotional expression. Matthew is traditionally shown with his Gospel or a money bag referencing his former profession. These apostle paintings belong to a tradition of series depicting all twelve apostles that was deeply rooted in Flemish art from Van Eyck onward. Van Dyck's versions combine Rubensian physical presence with his own more refined psychological characterization, creating compelling individual presences within a devotional framework.
Technical Analysis
The painting demonstrates Van Dyck's early command of characterization with warm, natural flesh tones. The focused expression and simple composition create a compelling devotional image.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice each apostle rendered as a distinct individual with specific physiognomy and emotional expression in this early Antwerp series.
- ◆Look at the focused expression and simple composition creating a compelling devotional image.
- ◆Observe Van Dyck's apostle figures combining Rubensian physical presence with more refined psychological characterization.
