Evangelist Matteüs 1590 - 1640

This print, "Evangelist Matthew," uses engraving to create depth and texture. The composition is split between a curtained interior with Matthew and an exterior landscape viewed through a window. The interplay of light and shadow, achieved through the fine lines of the engraving, highlights the contrast between the tangible, enclosed space and the expansive landscape. The figure of Matthew, with the angel, is grounded by the solid forms of the books and furniture, creating a sense of intellectual and spiritual weight. Semiologically, the book acts as a signifier of knowledge and divine inspiration, while the landscape hints at the broader theological and geographical scope of Matthew's Gospel. Note how the artist uses linear perspective, and how this technique creates an opening that invites reflection on the relationship between the sacred text and the world. The work reveals that art serves as a conduit for engaging with abstract concepts and cultural narratives.