The Calling of Saint Matthew

Definition

The Calling of Saint Matthew is a significant Baroque painting by Caravaggio, completed around 1599-1600, depicting the moment when Jesus Christ calls Matthew to follow him. This artwork is notable for its dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, which creates a sense of realism and emotional intensity. The painting illustrates the themes of divine intervention and redemption, central to Baroque art, while also showcasing Caravaggio's innovative approach to storytelling through visual means.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Calling of Saint Matthew is located in the Contarelli Chapel of the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome.
2. Caravaggio's painting presents a moment of conversion, showing Matthew as a tax collector who is surprised by Jesus's call.
3. The figures in the painting are depicted in contemporary clothing, which emphasizes the relatability of the biblical scene.
4. Light plays a crucial role in the composition, with a beam illuminating Matthew while leaving the others in shadow, highlighting his significance.
5. This work exemplifies Caravaggio's ability to blend religious themes with everyday life, making spiritual concepts accessible to viewers.

Review Questions

• How does Caravaggio use chiaroscuro in The Calling of Saint Matthew to enhance the narrative?
  • Caravaggio utilizes chiaroscuro in The Calling of Saint Matthew to create a striking contrast between light and dark, which enhances the dramatic moment of Matthew's calling. The beam of light that highlights Matthew not only draws attention to his figure but also symbolizes divine intervention. This technique intensifies the emotional impact of the scene and reinforces the theme of transformation from darkness to light, representing Matthew's journey from sin to salvation.
• Discuss how The Calling of Saint Matthew reflects the characteristics of Baroque art through its composition and themes.
  • The Calling of Saint Matthew embodies key characteristics of Baroque art through its dynamic composition and emotional themes. The use of tenebrism creates dramatic lighting that heightens tension and engagement with the viewer. The scene captures a pivotal moment in Matthew's life, emphasizing themes of redemption and divine grace. Additionally, the contemporary attire worn by the figures connects biblical narratives to real-life experiences, aligning with Baroque art’s focus on human emotion and relatable subjects.
• Evaluate how Caravaggio's personal style in The Calling of Saint Matthew contributed to the evolution of Baroque art and its impact on future artists.
  • Caravaggio's personal style in The Calling of Saint Matthew significantly influenced the evolution of Baroque art by introducing realism and emotional intensity that deviated from idealized representations. His focus on everyday characters in biblical narratives encouraged artists to explore human experiences and emotions more deeply. This approach inspired subsequent artists like Rembrandt and Velázquez, who adopted similar techniques in their works. Caravaggio's innovative use of light and shadow not only transformed visual storytelling but also laid the groundwork for future artistic movements that embraced realism and psychological depth.

Related terms

Chiaroscuro: A technique used in painting that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to achieve a sense of volume and three-dimensionality.

Tenebrism: A style of painting characterized by the use of pronounced chiaroscuro, where dark backgrounds are used to emphasize light sources, creating dramatic effects.

Baroque:

An artistic style that emerged in the late 16th century, known for its grandeur, drama, movement, tension, emotional exuberance, and a tendency toward the theatrical.