Apostel Matteüs met beurs 1517 - 1577

This is an engraving of the Apostle Matthew with a purse by an anonymous artist. This small print offers a glimpse into the visual culture surrounding religious figures and their social roles. Note how Matthew is depicted here. The purse indicates his former profession as a tax collector, a position often associated with wealth and social power. The halo, of course, signifies his sainthood. But what does it mean to combine these symbols? Is the artist commenting on the transformation of a man of wealth into a spiritual leader? Is it a reflection on the role of the church itself, and its accumulation of wealth? Was this image made during a time of social unrest, perhaps in response to perceived corruption within religious institutions? These are the kinds of questions we can ask. To answer them, we would need to look more closely into the historical context of the print’s production and reception.