St. Matthias the Apostle

Artist: Peter Paul Rubens – c. 1610 – 1612

After Judas' departure the apostles felt they should be twelve again. There were two candidates: Joseph and a certain Matthias. Lots were cast and Matthias it was.

The axe in his hand refers to his death. According to an unconfirmed story Matthias was first stoned and then beheaded, in Jerusalem.

This panel belongs to a series of portraits Rubens made of the apostles.

His feast day is May 14.