The Calling of Saint Matthew
The Met
Artist: Jan Sanders van Hemessen(Netherlandish, active by ca. 1524–died ca. 1564)
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on wood
Dimensions: 43 7/8 x 59 1/2 in. (111.4 x 151.1 cm)
Credit Line: Purchase, 1871
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Multiple figures, some writing at a table, others standing, against a distant landscape
Detailed Description
Multiple figures are arranged in the foreground against a distant landscape under a light sky. On the far left, a man with a bald head and a creased forehead looks towards the right, his hands clasped at his chest. Behind him, a woman with a white head covering raises her right hand, also looking right. Below them, a bearded man wearing a red, fur-trimmed hat and a red draped cloth over his shoulder looks right, his left hand splayed near the head of a woman. This woman, with light skin and reddish-brown hair, wears a dark green dress and leans forward, looking down at a table. Next to her, a man in a brown tunic also leans forward, holding a quill over an inkwell on the table, which also holds a small bag. To the right and slightly lower, a figure with dark, curly hair, dressed in a red tunic and a dark, furry cloak, leans over a large open book, writing with a quill. Behind the central group, a man with long, dark hair and a dark tunic stands, looking right and pointing with his right arm extended. In the distant background, a light brown landscape features a few small figures, several buildings including what appears to be a church or castle, and a bridge. The overall color palette consists of earthy tones, including browns, reds, and dark greens, contrasted with the lighter skin tones of the figures.
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