Apostle (Saint Matthew?)

Italian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 550

This vigorously modeled figure portrays an Apostle, possibly Saint Matthew. He holds an open book, his attribute as the author of one of the New Testament gospels and presses his fingers over his heart expressing his devotion to God. Covered by dramatic, swirling draperies, Matthew’s emaciated nakedness signifies his rejection of worldly things in the service of heaven.

Apostle (Saint Matthew?), Terracotta, Italian

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Apostle (Saint Matthew?), Terracotta, Italian
Apostle (Saint Matthew?), Terracotta, Italian
Apostle (Saint Matthew?), Terracotta, Italian

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