Apostle (Saint Matthew?)

Unknown

1730s · Terracotta · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1730s

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Jane and Raphael Bernstein, 2013