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St. Matthew
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineSt. Matthew, 1799. William Blake (British, 1757–1827). Tempera on canvas; overall: 38.5 x 26.5 cm (15 3/16 x 10 7/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund, 2017.4
