St. Matthias

The engraving shows St. Matthias in the foreground holding his traditional attribute, a halberd, while intently reading a book. In the background, a violent scene depicts his execution by a mob in a classical plaza featuring a statue of Mercury and a large domed temple. On the ground lie discarded fasces, symbols of Roman judicial authority.

St. Matthias was the only apostle chosen by the casting of lots (Acts 1:26), a method of determining divine will through chance that fascinated later Renaissance thinkers exploring providence. The inclusion of Mercury—the god of Hermetic wisdom and messages—as the specific 'pagan idol' suggests a deliberate contrast between the Christian mission and the classical Hermetic tradition.