Calling of Saint Matthew by Juan de Pareja, 1661. Recorded June 17, 2026.

American Friends helps share the Prado's collection with a weekly session in English on the museum's social media. We thank our members and donors who make all of our projects possible. Join and help us do more. https://www.afpradomuseum.org Pareja, Juan de (Antequera?, 1610- Madrid, 1670) Christ appears in the tax collector’s office and calls on Matthew to follow him. Matthew, depicted raising his right hand to his breast and with a star above his head, would become one of Christ’s most faithful followers and the author of one of the Gospels. Pareja, Velázquez’s former slave, places considerable emphasis on the setting of this work and also includes himself in the composition. He is located on the left, proudly looking out at the viewer and holding in his right hand a piece of paper with his signature.