Saint Matthew

mid 16th century

Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
Italian 16th Century

Artist

The sculpture is a relief depiction of a bearded figure seated on clouds reaching out towards a smaller winged figure. The larger figure is seated in a side profile and appears to be holding or extending something towards the smaller figure, who stands with one leg raised. Both figures are intricately detailed in a classical style. The sculpture is rendered in a bronze color, indicative of a metallic material, and its circular form along with the hole at the top suggests it may be part of a medallion or medal. The detailing on the figures' flowing garments and wings, as well as their dynamic interaction, create a sense of movement and narrative within the confines of the circular space.

Media Options

Skip thumbnail navigation
Back to thumbnail navigation
This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Dark brown patina

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in.) gross weight: 27 gr

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.535

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his estate; purchased 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); purchased 1945 by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York; gift 1957 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1931

  • Ricci, Seymour de. The Gustave Dreyfus Collection. Reliefs and Plaquettes. Oxford, 1931. vol.II, 401.

1965

  • Pope-Hennessy, John W. Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: Reliefs, Plaquettes, Statuettes, Utensils and Mortars. London, 1965: no. 392.

1983

  • Wilson, Carolyn C. Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art. Washington, 1983: 114, no. 1.

Wikidata ID

Q63814885

You may be interested in

Loading Results