Saint Matthew (Oviedo)

Welcome, everyone, to the National Sculpture Museum. Today, we're standing before a captivating work titled "Saint Matthew (Oviedo)," painted in 1590 by the masterful El Greco. nn In this evocative portrait, we encounter Saint Matthew, one of Jesus's twelve apostles, not in his youthful prime, but as a wise, elderly man. His long, flowing beard and hair speak to a life richly lived, while his intense gaze, illuminated against the dark background, draws us into his world of contemplation. He sits absorbed in a large, open book – likely the Bible – his hands delicately holding its weight. nn El Greco, a master of his craft, employs his signature style in this piece. Notice the elongated figure of Saint Matthew and the dramatic use of light and shadow, techniques that infuse the painting with a sense of otherworldly spirituality. The color palette, dominated by warm, earthy tones, is punctuated by the vibrant red of the saint's robe, a splash of color that draws our eye and speaks to the intensity of his devotion. nn "Saint Matthew (Oviedo)" is not merely a portrait; it's a window into the artist's world, a reflection of the religious fervor of his time, and a testament to the enduring power of faith.