Final answer:
St. Matthew's representations in the Coronation Gospels and Ebbo Gospels both derive from Roman artistic traditions but differ in style; the former is stable and classically Roman, while the latter is dynamic and expressive, reflecting the energy of the period's art.
Step-by-step explanation:
The representations of St. Matthew in the Coronation Gospels and the Ebbo Gospels reflect Roman sources through the stability and classical aesthetics of the former, in contrast with the energetic and expressionistic style of the latter. The Coronation Gospels showcase a more composed St. Matthew with stable geometry in his posture and the furnishings around him, bearing a resemblance to Roman tranquility and proportion. Meanwhile, the Ebbo Gospels depict a dynamic and almost frenzied St. Matthew with an active brushstroke and expressive facial features that, while still drawing upon Roman forms such as classical architecture and three-dimensional figure modeling, present a starkly different, more vivacious interpretation of the scene.
The Ebbo Gospels and the Coronation Gospels, both featuring St. Matthew, diverge in artistic execution, with the Coronation Gospels adhering more closely to the serene and geometric Roman style, and the Ebbo Gospels venturing into a more tumultuous and emotionally charged depiction. This contrast is evident in their respective portrayals of St. Matthew's posture, the angle of the furniture, and the intensity of the brushwork. Nevertheless, both works maintain an underlying connection to Roman artistic traditions through their use of classical motifs and the rendering of spatial depth.