Saint Matthias
The Met
Artist: Simone Martini(Italian, Siena, active by 1315–died 1344 Avignon)
Date: ca. 1317–19
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
Dimensions: Overall, with arched top and engaged frame, 11 5/8 x 8 5/8 in. (29.5 x 21.9 cm); painted surface 10 1/4 x 7 3/4 in. (26 x 19.7 cm)
Credit Line: Maitland F. Griggs Collection, Bequest of Maitland F. Griggs, 1943
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A bearded man with a halo holds a green book, on a gold background in an arched frame
Detailed Description
A half-length figure of a man is depicted within a vertical, arched format. The man is positioned centrally, facing slightly to his right, with his gaze directed towards the viewer's right. He has a dark brown beard and short, dark brown hair. A golden halo with an intricate pattern of dots and lines encircles his head. He wears a reddish-pink robe draped over a golden garment with a patterned neckline visible beneath. His left hand, positioned at the lower center, holds a closed green book. The book has a small, white, decorative clasp or bookmark hanging from its spine. The background is entirely gold, showing signs of age and wear with some darker areas and scratches. To the left of the man's head, the letters "SCS" are inscribed in black. To the right, the letters "MATTHYAS" are inscribed in black. The image is enclosed within a dark, possibly black or dark brown, arched frame visible along the top and sides. The bottom edge of the frame is a lighter, golden-brown color.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
