The Calling of Saint Matthew
c. 1599-1600 Contarelli Chapel, Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome
About this artwork
This monumental canvas depicts the moment Jesus Christ inspires Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. It is a prime example of Caravaggio's mastery of tenebrism, where dramatic chiaroscuro highlights the figures against a dark background.
Did you know?
Caravaggio revolutionized painting with his dramatic use of chiaroscuro, often termed tenebrism, which is vividly showcased in 'The Calling of Saint Matthew.' The painting depicts a humble, dimly lit scene, bringing a raw, human intimacy to the biblical narrative. Interestingly, while Jesus's hand gesture echoes that of God in Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam,' his face is largely obscured, emphasizing the profound, universal call to faith rather than a direct personal interaction.
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The Calling of Saint Matthew
Michelangelo da Caravaggio, c. 1599-1600
