St. Matthew, from The Luther Bible
1523
Medium
Woodcut in black on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Primary support: 14.5 × 9.5 cm (5 3/4 × 3 3/4 in.); Secondary support: 23 × 18 cm (9 1/16 × 7 1/8 in.)
Classification
woodcut
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
30986
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Lemberger studied with Albrecht Altdorfer, a prominent member of the Danube School; this proof impression of a book illustration from the first part of Martin Luther’s German translation of the New Testament adheres to the school’s style of wild and twisted trees, dramatic effects of sunlight, and visionary clouds. The saint’s bright halo hovers above his head as he studiously inscribes his gospel in a large tome while an attendant angel emerges from the cloudburst. And yet the natural details b...