St. Matthew the Apostle

This stunning portrait captures the powerful moment just before the conversion of St. Matthew the Apostle. Depicted as a noble and contemplative Jewish man, Matthew is shown in his former identity as a Roman tax collector—holding a coin pouch in one hand and a stylus in the other, caught between the material world and a divine calling. His garments are richly detailed, symbolizing both the dignity of his past and the weight of the decision he is about to make.

Behind him rises a soft horizon over the streets of Judea, while above his head gleams a radiant golden halo—hinting at the sanctity to come. An angel, the traditional symbol of his Gospel, hovers in the distance, a silent witness to grace at work.

Rendered in vibrant watercolor style with Renaissance-inspired detail, this ultra-lifelike, hyper-photorealistic image is framed with an ornate gold border in Catholic calligraphy design, standard to all Halo and Light Studios artwork.

Short Biography:
St. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a Jewish tax collector called personally by Jesus Christ. Leaving everything behind, he followed the Lord and later became the author of the Gospel according to Matthew. His writings emphasize the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and the kingship of Christ. He preached in foreign lands and was eventually martyred for the faith.

Symbolism in the Art:

• Coins and stylus: His past as a tax collector and future as a Gospel writer.

• Golden halo: Future sanctity and apostolic authority.

• Angel in the sky: Traditional symbol of Matthew’s Gospel and divine inspiration.

• Contrast of light and shadow: Internal spiritual tension between worldly wealth and divine calling.

Perfect For:

• Catechism classrooms or Bible study groups

• Homes seeking to reflect on personal conversion

• Gift for tax professionals or accountants

• Feast day decor (September 21st)

• Evangelization materials and Catholic schools

Product Details:

• Digital download only

• High-resolution PNG format

• Portrait aspect ratio

• Watercolor + Renaissance hybrid style

• Golden ornate border with Catholic calligraphy style

Feast Day: September 21
Patronage: Accountants, tax collectors, bankers, civil servants, and conversion of sinners

Patron Saint of:
Bankers · Financial workers · Civil servants · Conversion of sinners

"Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice."
– Matthew 9:13

Let this portrait of St. Matthew remind us that no sin is too great, no past too far, for Christ to step in and say, “Follow Me.”