The Calling of Saint Matthew

Definition

The Calling of Saint Matthew is a significant Baroque painting by Caravaggio, created around 1599-1600, which illustrates the moment when Jesus Christ calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. This artwork showcases the Baroque style's hallmark use of dramatic light and shadow, emotional intensity, and realistic figures, all while emphasizing themes of divine grace and redemption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Caravaggio’s use of chiaroscuro in The Calling of Saint Matthew creates a dramatic effect that draws the viewer's attention to the figures illuminated by light, particularly Jesus and Matthew.
2. The composition centers on Matthew's surprise at being called, reflecting a moment of transformation from sinner to apostle, which resonates with the Baroque theme of redemption.
3. The painting is located in the Contarelli Chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, highlighting its importance within the Counter-Reformation movement.
4. Caravaggio's realistic portrayal of everyday people as biblical figures in The Calling of Saint Matthew was groundbreaking for its time and contributed to the humanizing aspects of religious art.
5. The work not only emphasizes the moment of calling but also illustrates the tension between divine intervention and human disbelief, showcasing Baroque art's exploration of psychological depth.

Review Questions

• How does Caravaggio’s use of light and shadow in The Calling of Saint Matthew enhance the emotional impact of the scene?
  • Caravaggio employs chiaroscuro to create stark contrasts between light and dark in The Calling of Saint Matthew. This technique focuses attention on key figures like Jesus and Matthew, heightening the drama and emotional intensity of the moment. The light symbolizes divine presence, while the shadows represent confusion or disbelief, effectively conveying the spiritual significance of Matthew's calling.
• Discuss the role of The Calling of Saint Matthew within the context of the Counter-Reformation and how it reflects the movement's artistic goals.
  • The Calling of Saint Matthew plays a pivotal role in the Counter-Reformation by exemplifying how art was used to convey religious messages and evoke emotional responses. Caravaggio's realistic approach to biblical subjects aims to engage viewers on a personal level, encouraging them to reflect on their faith. This aligns with the Counter-Reformation's objective to reaffirm Catholic beliefs through compelling visual narratives that inspire devotion.
• Evaluate the significance of everyday realism in The Calling of Saint Matthew and its impact on later developments in Baroque art.
  • The significance of everyday realism in The Calling of Saint Matthew lies in Caravaggio's choice to depict common people as sacred figures, which challenges traditional representations in religious art. This approach paved the way for future Baroque artists to incorporate realism and emotional depth into their works. As artists began to embrace everyday life as a subject matter for sacred themes, it contributed to a broader movement toward naturalism that influenced subsequent artistic styles well into modernity.

Related terms

Chiaroscuro: A technique used in painting to create strong contrasts between light and dark, enhancing the three-dimensionality of subjects.

Tenebrism: A style of painting characterized by the use of pronounced chiaroscuro and dramatically illuminated areas, often to convey heightened emotions.

Counter-Reformation: A period of Catholic resurgence initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation, which sought to reaffirm Catholic doctrine and practices through art and culture.