Refers to simple or rudimentary pictures (drawings, paintings, etc) of
people. They're called "matchstick
men" because their limbs are made of simple lines, or matchsticks.
Con artists are also referred to as matchstick
men because they create temporary personas that are fleeting and simple.
Dude,
don't give that guy any money. His
story doesn't add up. He's totally just a matchstick man.
Many a L. S. Lowry
painting includes a matchstick man.