The Calling of Matthew Possibly 1580

Curator: This is Hans Collaert the Elder's "The Calling of Matthew," from the Harvard Art Museums collection, printed on a sheet measuring about 27 by 36 centimeters. Editor: The scene feels dense, almost claustrophobic, with a chaotic energy emanating from the money and figures jostling around the table. Curator: Indeed. Collaert, through engraving, highlights the social dynamics at play. Matthew, surrounded by the tools of his trade, is interrupted by Christ’s call, a direct challenge to his existing socio-economic role. Editor: It’s a powerful moment, seeing Matthew’s potential transformation framed by the details of his present labor. The colors, though muted, draw my eye to the central exchange. Curator: Absolutely, there’s a dialogue here about work, salvation, and the artist’s own labor in creating this print. Editor: It leaves you pondering what Matthew will do next, and thinking about the choice Collaert made to depict it in this way.