Calling of Saint Matthew

—artist: Caravaggio
—date: 17th century
—materials: Oil on Canvas
—time era: Baroque

—use of chiaroscuro
—represents the light of divine revelation
—content: the painting depicts Jesus, in deep shadow on the right, calling Matthew the tax collector to join his disciples
—set in common place tavern
—the dark background emphasizes the mundane life Matthew had before Jesus
—Jesus is barely visible with a thin halo, reaching out to point at Matthew in a manner similar to Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam
—a beam of light emanates above Christ’s head and falls on Matthew, who points at himself in astonishment
—the beam of light shows that Matthew is being called into the Lord’s service

To get the FULL Baroque art – characteristics, artwork FlashCard, Click HERE.