St. Matthias (?), from Christ and the Twelve Apostles

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, where we encounter *St. Matthias (?), Christ and the Twelve Apostles by the enigmatic Master F. P., created between 1500 and 1550. This intimate etching captures a male saint—likely St. Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace Judas—amidst religious symbols like the cross, evoking the era's deep devotion to the Twelve Apostles. Intriguingly, tags hint at female nudes in the composition, symbolizing virtues, temptations, or allegorical elements common in Renaissance religious art. Etching, a revolutionary intaglio technique emerging in the early 16th century, allowed Master F. P. to incise fine lines directly into a metal plate with acid, producing delicate, expressive prints ideal for dissemination. At just 4 9/16 × 2 3/16 inches, this work on a modest sheet was likely produced for personal devotion or scholarly collections, reflecting the Northern Renaissance's blend of spirituality and technical innovation. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1927, it exemplifies the period's fascination with apostolic lives, offering visitors a window into 16th-century piety and printmaking mastery. The tentative identification adds a touch of scholarly mystery—perfect for pondering the saints' enduring legacy!