Title: The Calling of Saint Matthew Caravaggio
Artist: Caravaggio
Date Painted: 1599-1560
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 322cm x 340cm
Period: Baroque
Location: San Luigi dei Francesci, Rome
Summary of The Calling of Saint Matthew
The Calling of Saint Matthew is a masterpiece by Caravaggio, completed in 1599-1600, and it’s one of the most celebrated works from his oeuvre. This painting is renowned for its dramatic realism, use of chiaroscuro, and its profound emotional and theological depth. It’s housed in the Contarelli Chapel of the San Luigi dei Francesi church in Rome, Italy, and forms part of a trio of works Caravaggio was commissioned to create for the chapel.
The scene depicted in the painting is taken from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9:9), illustrating the moment when Jesus Christ calls Matthew to follow him. At this moment, Matthew is a tax collector, a profession despised by the Jews for its associations with greed and collaboration with the Roman occupiers. The scene is set in a dim, tavern-like room, which serves as Matthew’s tax collection office.
Caravaggio’s composition splits the painting into two contrasting halves. On the right, Matthew and his fellow tax collectors are seated around a table, counting money. These figures are depicted in contemporary dress, grounding the biblical scene in the everyday life of Caravaggio’s time. The use of contemporary dress was a radical choice, bringing the sacred narrative into the immediate world of the viewer. The tax collectors are illuminated by a beam of light that enters from the left side of the canvas, symbolizing divine presence.
On the left, Christ is seen entering the room, accompanied by Saint Peter. Christ’s figure is understated, yet his presence is commanding. He points towards Matthew, calling him to a higher purpose. This gesture echoes the creation of Adam by God in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, suggesting Matthew’s spiritual rebirth. Christ and Peter are depicted in more timeless attire, which sets them apart from the temporal world of the tax collectors.
The painting is remarkable for its use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), which not only highlights the figures but also adds a theatrical drama to the scene. The light serves as a metaphor for divine intervention, illuminating the darkness of the earthly setting and the lives of the figures within it. This illumination also symbolizes the moment of spiritual awakening and conversion for Matthew.
Caravaggio’s work is noted for its realism, capturing the human emotions and the moment of tension superbly. Matthew’s reaction is a mix of surprise, disbelief, and awareness of the gravity of the moment. The figures around him show various degrees of engagement, from obliviousness to the event unfolding to curiosity about the interaction between Jesus and Matthew.
The Calling of Saint Matthew is a landmark of Baroque painting, showcasing Caravaggio’s innovative approach to composition, his mastery of light and shadow, and his ability to imbue biblical narratives with emotional depth and realism. This painting not only exemplifies Caravaggio’s artistry but also marks a significant moment in the development of Western art, influencing countless artists in the centuries that followed.
The Composition of The Calling of Saint Matthew
The composition of The Calling of Saint Matthew is a sophisticated orchestration of light, space, and human interaction that serves to dramatize the biblical narrative it depicts. Caravaggio employs several compositional techniques to guide the viewer’s eye and to highlight the central theme of the calling.
Division of Space
Caravaggio divides the canvas into two distinct zones through the use of light and shadow. The right side of the painting, where Matthew and the tax collectors are seated, is engulfed in relative darkness, punctuated by a beam of light that seems to emanate from the direction of Christ. The left side, featuring Christ and Saint Peter, is more subdued and marked by softer light, which creates a sense of sacred intrusion into a profane space. This division not only separates the divine from the mundane but also visually cues the viewer to the transformative moment taking place.
The Use of Light
The dramatic illumination, characteristic of Caravaggio’s work, is perhaps the most striking compositional element. A beam of light enters from the left, drawing a diagonal line across the canvas. This light not only physically illuminates the scene but also serves as a symbolic representation of divine intervention. Matthew is caught in this beam, highlighting his selection by Christ. The use of light to guide the narrative and focus attention is a hallmark of Caravaggio’s style and contributes significantly to the painting’s emotional impact.
Gestural Direction
The gestures of the figures in the painting create a network of lines that guide the viewer’s eye towards the central action – Christ’s calling of Matthew. Christ’s outstretched hand, mimicking the gesture of God in Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, points directly at Matthew, creating a focal point. Matthew’s own gesture, pointing to himself in a questioning manner, reinforces his role as the subject of the calling. The interplay of these gestures not only draws attention to the key figures but also helps to convey the narrative tension of the moment.
Figural Grouping and Expression
Caravaggio groups the figures in a way that reflects their roles and responses to the event. On the right, the tax collectors are clustered around a table, engrossed in their worldly affairs. Their varied reactions—ranging from engagement to obliviousness—create a vivid portrayal of human diversity. On the left, the figures of Christ and Peter are more composed, signifying their divine mission. The contrast in expressions and posture between the two groups further emphasizes the chasm between the spiritual and temporal realms.
Framing and Perspective
The composition is framed in such a way that the viewer feels as if they are a bystander within the room. The use of perspective draws the viewer’s eye into the depth of the space, towards the figure of Christ. The positioning of figures and the architectural elements of the room create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, pulling the viewer into the narrative moment.
In summary, the composition of The Calling of Saint Matthew is a masterful blend of lighting, spatial organization, and human expression. Caravaggio’s innovative approach not only captures the gravity of the biblical story but also communicates the profound spiritual and emotional dimensions of the moment of calling. Through these techniques, Caravaggio not only tells a story but also invites the viewer to contemplate the deeper themes of grace, conversion, and destiny.