St. Matthew1799 · Study 2017.4

Context from the museum

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.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

Like St. Matthew, William Blake reported having visions of angels throughout his life.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for St. Matthew is 26.5 cm wide and 38.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 10.4 × 15.2 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.69:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.10 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 8.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 136.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With St. Matthew in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, tempera on canvas, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 26.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?