Saint Matthew

Art Historical Context

Sebald Beham, a master of the German Renaissance known as one of the "Little Masters" from Nuremberg, created *Saint Matthew* in 1541. This exquisite engraving captures the Evangelist Saint Matthew, traditionally depicted as the author of the Gospel, often with an angel as his divine muse. Beham's work exemplifies the Nuremberg school's precision and humanism, blending religious devotion with meticulous detail in a compact format—typical of prints no larger than a few inches. As an engraving, the piece showcases Beham's virtuoso technique: fine, cross-hatched lines build depth, texture, and subtle shading, allowing for intricate expressions and folds in drapery. Prints like this were revolutionary in the 16th century, enabling affordable dissemination of sacred imagery amid the Protestant Reformation, when visual aids supported personal piety and biblical study. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection (Department CG-E), *Saint Matthew* highlights Beham's prolific output of over 600 engravings. It invites visitors to marvel at how such tiny masterpieces bridged art and faith, making Renaissance devotion accessible to all.

About the Artist

Sebald Beham · 1500–1550

Sebald Beham (1500–1550), a pioneering German printmaker and painter born in Nuremberg, emerged as one of the most prolific artists of the Northern Renaissance. The elder brother of fellow artist Barthel Beham, he grew up in a milieu steeped in artistic tradition, though details of his early training remain sparsely documented. Recorded as a journeyman painter (Malergeselle) by 1521 and a master w...