Matthew was a tax collector before Jesus called him to follow him. He is regarded as the author of the first Gospel; his symbol is the man or angel. He is patron saint of bankers and tax advisers; his feast day is 21 September.
Every figure is hand-carved in our partner workshop in Val Gardena (South Tyrol) – production is overseen by master sculptor Karl Demetz. Woodcarving has a long tradition in the Gardena Valley: as early as the 17th century it was widespread there. Every piece is one of a kind: grain, carving marks and painting always turn out a little different.
- Material: wood from the Gardena Valley – mainly lime wood, depending on size also maple or Swiss stone pine
- Heights: 12, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 cm
- Finishes: Natural, multicolour stained, hand-painted, genuine gold leaf
- Delivery time: approx. 3–4 weeks, insured shipping directly from the workshop in South Tyrol to Germany and Austria (€6.90)
- Returns: 14-day statutory right of withdrawal
The finishes at a glance –Natural: finely sanded, untreated wood.Multicolour stained: three stain tones with wax, with gold or silver accents on details and robe hems depending on the motif.Hand-painted: painted with oil paints, decorated with gold leaf and silver leaf details and fixed with lacquer.Genuine gold leaf: gilded with real gold leaf and then painted.
A gift for the name day of Matthias or Matthew, for people working in finance or as part of a group of the Evangelists. Discover more hand-carvedsaint statues from South Tyrol.
Motif & meaning
St Matthew is one of the four Evangelists and holds a special position within Christian tradition. As author of the Gospel of Matthew he is regarded as a mediator between the Old and the New Covenant, and addresses his proclamation especially to readers of Jewish background. In religious art he is therefore often shown as a scholar and scribe who sets down the word of God with care and inner recollection.
The depiction shown here takes up this tradition. Matthew is shown in a calm posture, the book of the Gospel open before him, the quill as the clear attribute of his work. His concentrated gaze and finely worked expression give the figure a quiet depth and invite contemplation. The small angel's head on the base refers to the Evangelist symbol assigned to him, which stands for inspiration and divine prompting.
As a symbol of proclamation, faithfulness and spiritual vigilance, St Matthew is particularly suited to places of prayer and meditation. In home altars, prayer rooms, churches or chapels the figure recalls the importance of the word of God and the responsibility to carry it on in everyday life. In a private living space, too, it can serve as a calm spiritual point of reference.
St Matthew is also a fitting gift for religious milestones. For christening, First Holy Communion, Confirmation or (Protestant) Confirmation, he stands for the beginning of a conscious path of faith. As a gift for church jubilees, ordinations or as a gift of thanks and protection, the figure combines spiritual meaning with lasting craft value.
Finish, origin & special features
The figure of St Matthew is created in a time-honoured woodcarving process in Val Gardena, South Tyrol. Every piece begins with the careful selection of the wood, which depending on size and series is mainly lime wood, occasionally also Swiss stone pine or maple. After controlled drying the wood is cut and carved entirely by hand in several steps. First the rough forms emerge, then face, hands, folds of the robe and symbolic details such as the book and the angel's head are worked out precisely.
After carving comes sanding, which smooths the surface and emphasises the fine transitions. Depending on the chosen finish, further craft finishing follows. Natural figures remain sanded and show the lively grain of the wood. Stained versions underline the sculptural depth of the carving, while multicolour stained versions create contrasts in the structure of the robe. Coloured finishes are painted by hand with oil paints and bring out face, book and robe in a differentiated way.
The gilded version is particularly elaborate. For the genuine gold leaf finish, the figure is first given a gesso ground. Gold leaf is then applied by hand. Finally, a protective sealant provides the necessary durability of the surface.
Every figure goes through a strict final inspection in which proportions, surface quality and craft details are checked. Depending on the series, the figure may bear a Val Gardena quality label confirming its origin in Val Gardena. Regardless of this, every finish stands for careful handwork and an established carving tradition that unites religious symbolism, artistic ambition and craft durability.
Dimensions & finish
| Motif | St Matthew the Evangelist–Material: wood from the Gardena Valley – mainly lime wood, depending on size also maple or Swiss stone pine–Production: hand-carved in Val Gardena, South Tyrol (production under master sculptor Karl Demetz)–Finishes: Natural, multicolour stained, hand-painted, genuine gold leaf–Heights: 12, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 cm–Origin: Italy (South Tyrol)–Workshop article number: 5800 |
| Origin | Italy |
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| Item number | 1219361582837 |
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| EAN | |
Package contents
- – 1 × wooden statue “St Matthew the Evangelist” in the chosen size and finish
- – transport-safe packaging
- – insured shipping directly from the workshop in South Tyrol
Notes
–Delivery time: approx. 3–4 weeks – your figure is prepared in the workshop and shipped directly from South Tyrol–Shipping: insured, to Germany and Austria €6.90–Returns: 14-day statutory right of withdrawal–Transport damage: please report within 48 hours – hallo@lunexus.world or +49 30 2178 2502 (German and English)–One of a kind: grain, colour tone and fine details vary from piece to piece–Care: for indoor use; dust dry with a soft cloth, no cleaning agents; do not polish gilded surfaces