Matthew in Art

Following previous Post, 'St. Matthew', 8 June 08,
illustrations of Matthew and the Angel appear to be very popular.
Guido RENI's painting appears on the front cover of Eamon Duffy, "The Creed in the Catechism". (It explores the first and longest section of the Catechism of the Catholic. Duffy's Introduction makes clear his essential cue from Paul VI, "Pope Paul VI describes the documents if Vatican II as 'the great Catechism of our age', and they of course remain normative for all interpretations of the Catechism). A very helpful Catechism of a Catechism of a Catechism of a . . .

A second reproduction of Guido Reni's painting is being used by the Canadian Bible Society, - 300,000 copies of the Gospel of Matthew will be given to young Catholics attending World Youth Day. Front cover of the Gospel depicts a painting by Guido Reni, St. Matthew and The Angel, oil on canvas.
It is interesting to read some comments on the work of art.

. . . it's often wise to completely ignore anything art historians have to say that isn't factual. "Art history" is a story. Sure, some characters and forces should loom large in any version, but you could tell the story in any number of ways. Frequently, the only story told in college classrooms is the "progressive" one, i.e. the liberation of art from the clutches of the repressive Church. . .

... it's amazing! Matthew's gnarled hands, tired posture, and intent expression are a great contrast to the angel's childish, heavenly air. There are so many things to evaluate in this painting ...