England / 1799
St. Matthew
St. Matthew
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs St. Matthew as painting (England · 1799).
WHY IT’S INTERESTING
Like St. Matthew, William Blake reported having visions of angels throughout his life.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as tempera on canvas and credits William Blake (British, 1757–1827).
The museum's collection notes: The energy and awe with which the evangelist Saint Matthew responds to the angel presenting the divinely inspired text echoes William Blake’s attitude toward artistic inspiration. From childhood Blake experienced visions that are reflected in the otherworldliness of his work. While Blake was not embraced by the fine art establishment, a small group of patrons believed in his genius and commissioned works in which his unusual visions had free rein.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtSt. MatthewOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.