The artwork, “St. Matthew,” is a sculpture created by the renowned artist Michelangelo around the year 1506 in Florence, Italy. This piece belongs to the High Renaissance art movement and is currently housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, Florence, Italy. Measuring 271 centimeters in height, the sculpture exemplifies the genre of sculptural representation.
“St. Matthew” is an unfinished marble sculpture that depicts the apostle Matthew. The figure is partially carved, with some parts still embedded in the rough stone block. This unfinished state allows viewers to witness Michelangelo’s artistic process, showing the transition from raw material to a refined figure. The sculpture exudes a sense of movement and dynamism, with St. Matthew’s body gracefully twisted and his head turned upwards in a contemplative gaze. The drapery clinging to his torso adds to the naturalistic quality of the piece. Michelangelo’s masterful handling of form and anatomy is evident, even in this incomplete work, which remains a powerful testament to his sculptural genius.
