After reviewing the Hermitian one-matrix model, we will give a brief introduction to the Hermitian two-matrix model and present a summary of some recent results on the asymptotic behavior of the two-matrix model with a quartic potential. In particular, we will discuss a limiting kernel in the quartic/quadratic case that is constructed out of a 4x4 Riemann-Hilbert problem related to the Painlev, II equation. Also an open problem will be presented.