Caravaggio's Painting: The Calling Of Saint Matthew

The Calling of Saint Matthew was painted between 1599-1600 by Caravaggio for the Contarelli Chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi. It was commissioned by Cardinal Matteo Contarelli who wanted to depict scenes from the life of Saint Matthew, who happened to be his namesake. It tells the story of Matthew 9:9, when Jesus calls upon Mathew to join him as one of his apostles. The painting was Caravaggio’s first important job as well as part of the beginning of the naturalist movement in Europe. The painting is located in the left corner chapel of San Luigi closest to the alter. It hangs on the left wall of the chapel and is one of three paintings about Saint Matthew’s life, including Saint Matthew and the Angel and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew. The

The man slouched over the table wears tan pants and a vest, with blue sleeves that have a red stripe down the center. The man with glasses behind him wears a thick fur coat. Saint Matthew wears a black top with red and gold sleeves, tan tights, and black shoes. The boy is dressed in a red and gold tunic with a white collar, and a black hat with a feather sits on his head. The man straddling the bend is dressed in black and cream, also a feathered hat on his head. All these men are in a more noble dress for the times, giving hints to the fact that Matthew was a rich tax collector before following Jesus. Jesus and Saint Peter, however, are depicted wearing robes, their feet bare. Saint Peter’s robes are gray and tan, while Jesus’s are black and red, another indication of importance.

The painting has an overall feeling of clarity. The viewer can easily sense the feeling of awakening happening with in the scene and Matthew realizes he is to follow Jesus. There is also a sense of wonderment, seen on some of the faces within the painting as well as felt by the audience. The contrast between the light and dark parts of the painting fuel this mood and give the painting strength as a