Get Paintings Reproductions The Calling Of Saint Matthew by Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi) (1571-1610, Spain) | WahooArt.com

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"The Calling Of Saint Matthew"

Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi) (i) - Oil (i) - Baroque (i)

The Calling of Saint Matthew is a renowned oil painting by the Italian artist Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi), created in 1599-1600. This masterpiece is part of the Contarelli Chapel in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, Italy.

Commission and Subject Matter

The painting was commissioned by Cardinal Matthieu Cointerel (in Italian, Matteo Contarelli) for the decoration of a chapel based on themes related to his namesake, Saint Matthew. The dome of the chapel was decorated with frescoes by Giuseppe Cesari, Caravaggio's former employer and one of the most popular painters in Rome at the time.

Artistic Style and Composition

Caravaggio's Calling of Saint Matthew is characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, a hallmark of Baroque painting. The scene depicts Jesus Christ calling on the tax collector Matthew to follow him, as described in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9:9). The composition features five men seated at a table, with Jesus and Saint Peter entering the room. The light streams in from an unseen source above Christ's head, highlighting the moment of spiritual awakening.

Key Elements

- Lighting: Caravaggio uses chiaroscuro to create a sense of drama and emphasize the spiritual moment. - Gesture: Christ extends his hand languidly, while Matthew responds with vigor, pointing to himself in surprise. - Contemporary Clothing: The figures are dressed in contemporary clothing, adding a sense of realism to the scene.

Other Paintings by Caravaggio

Caravaggio's work includes other notable paintings such as:

Conclusion

The Calling of Saint Matthew by Caravaggio is a masterpiece that captures the moment of spiritual awakening with dramatic lighting and realistic composition. It is a testament to Caravaggio's innovative style, which influenced many artists during the Baroque period. Visit WahooArt.com for more information on Caravaggio and his works, including hand-made oil painting reproductions.

 




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