The Calling of St. Matthew

What were some of the major challenges or controversies in Caravaggio’s personal life?

What theme is central to The Calling of St. Matthew?

This moment symbolizes Matthew's transformation from a life of materialism and sin to one of faith

Caravaggio: religious scenes, mythological stories, still lifes, with a focus on human emotion and divine intervention.

Caravaggio's significant patrons included Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte and the Contarelli family.

Caravaggio's realistic depictions was a powerful tool for the church's mission.

Which other figure’s gesture does Jesus’ hand in The Calling of St. Matthew resemble?

Other themes of the artwork include themes of divine intervention, faith

What significant moment does The Calling of St. Matthew depict?

How are the figures arranged in The Calling of St. Matthew?

The title of the painting directly relates to the passage in the Bible.

Caravaggio emphasized raw realism and everyday settings, avoiding the idealization common in Baroque art.

In this passage, Jesus sees Matthew, a tax collector, sitting at the tax booth and says to him, “Follow me.”

The story of the calling of St. Matthew comes from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Bible.

The three paintings are called: The Calling of St. Matthew.The Martyrdom of St. Matthew. St. Matthew and the Angel

What is St. Matthew doing in the painting before being called by Jesus?

The composition divides the space into two zones: the right side representing the divine, and left side the earthly.

The figures in The Calling of St. Matthew interact dynamically through gestures and gazes, creating immediacy and drama.

How is Jesus dressed in The Calling of St. Matthew?

What is a notable feature of Caravaggio’s style in The Calling of St. Matthew?

it is found in Matthew 9:9-13.

Together, the 3 paintings narrate St. Matthew's transformation from sinner to saint

Caravaggio was NEVER celebrated for his use of dramatic use of light and shadow.

Who painted The Calling of St. Matthew?

The Counter-Reformation played no role in shaping the content and style of Caravaggio’s art

His impact did not extend across Europe, and didn't shape the development of Baroque art.

Caravaggio use of chiaroscuro never inspired any other artists.

What emotion is most evident in the figure of St. Matthew in the painting?

What does the hand gesture of Jesus in The Calling of St. Matthew primarily symbolize?

Christ’s is partially obscured by Peter, emphasizing his role as a spiritual guide rather than a dominating figure.

The man pointing to himself in disbelief, is mostly believed to be St. Matthew

Which artistic technique is prominently used in The Calling of St. Matthew?

Caravaggio sets the Biblical scene in a contemporary Roman tavern with figures dressed in 16th-century clothing

Where can The Calling of St. Matthew be found today?

What does the beam of light in The Calling of St. Matthew symbolize?

Which patron commissioned The Calling of St. Matthew?

The Calling of St. Matthew is part of a triptych in the Contarelli Chapel.

The Counter-Reformation emphasized art that was direct and emotionally engaging to inspire faith among the masses.

What compositional technique does Caravaggio use to emphasize Jesus’ presence in the scene?

How is Jesus depicted in The Calling of St. Matthew?

Caravaggio does this intentionally to make the story more relateable.