Saint Matthew by James Tissot Invitation

A refined and historically informed depiction of Saint Matthew by James Tissot, created between 1886–1894 as part of the monumental illustrated series The Life of Christ. According to the Brooklyn Museum, Tissot produced both a portrait of Saint Matthew and a dramatic narrative scene, The Calling of Saint Matthew, honoring the evangelist’s role as one of the four Gospel writers. The portrait (Saint Matthew / Saint Mathieu) presents the apostle with solemn dignity, emphasizing his identity as a tax collector turned disciple and author of the first Gospel. Tissot’s approach reflects his method of creating a “harmony of the Gospels,” synthesizing the four New Testament accounts into a unified visual narrative. In The Calling of Saint Matthew, Jesus invites Matthew from his toll booth, a moment Tissot renders with vivid ethnographic detail: camels, an arched gate, and Eastern architectural elements, underscoring the geographical and spiritual crossroads at which Matthew stood. The scene captures Christ’s radical mercy toward those rejected by society, echoing the Gospel message that He came “to heal the sick, not the healthy.” These works exemplify Tissot’s blend of archaeological precision, devotional sensitivity, and cinematic storytelling, making his Saint Matthew one of the most compelling visual interpretations of the evangelist in 19th‑century sacred art. Perfect for sacred art prints, educational materials, biblical studies, and museum‑style reproductions.