The artwork titled “St. Matthew,” created by Frans Hals in 1625, is an oil on canvas painting measuring 55 x 70 cm. It belongs to the Baroque art movement and depicts a religious theme. This distinguished piece is housed in the Odesa Museum of Western and Eastern Art in Odesa, Ukraine.
The artwork portrays St. Matthew, identifiable by his scriptural association, engrossed in reading a sizable book, likely the Gospel. An elderly man, characterized by a bald head, a contemplative expression, and a long, flowing beard, is depicted leaning over the tome. A young boy, presumably an angel or a pupil, is positioned beside him, fixated intently on the script. The ambient lighting casts a soft glow on their faces, enhancing the emotional depth and sacred atmosphere of the scene, typical of the Baroque style. The background remains subtly dark, pushing the central figures forward and emphasizing their expressions and actions.
