The Calling Of St Matthew By Caravaggio

The Calling of St Matthew, a masterpiece by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, stands as a pivotal work in the history of Western art. Completed in 1600 for the Contarelli Chapel in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, this painting captures a transformative moment: the instant when Jesus Christ calls Levi, a tax collector, to become his apostle, St. Matthew. The painting's dramatic use of light, realistic portrayal of figures, and innovative composition solidified Caravaggio's reputation and ushered in a new era of Baroque art.

The Historical and Artistic Context

To truly appreciate The Calling of St Matthew, one must understand the context in which it was created.

• The Counter-Reformation: The late 16th and early 17th centuries were marked by the Counter-Reformation, the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation. The Church sought to reaffirm its authority and reconnect with the faithful through art that was both emotionally engaging and doctrinally sound. Caravaggio's realistic and dramatic style perfectly suited this purpose.

• Caravaggio's Revolutionary Style: Caravaggio rejected the idealized forms and refined elegance of the Mannerist style that was prevalent at the time. Instead, he embraced realism, depicting ordinary people in everyday settings, often with unflinching honesty. His use of tenebrism, a dramatic contrast between light and dark, heightened the emotional impact of his paintings.

• The Contarelli Chapel Commission: Cardinal Matteo Contarelli commissioned the decoration of his family chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi. After Contarelli's death, the commission was taken over, and Caravaggio was chosen to paint the altarpiece (which became The Inspiration of Saint Matthew) and the two flanking paintings: The Calling of St Matthew and The Martyrdom of St Matthew.

A Detailed Look at the Painting

The Calling of St Matthew depicts a scene set in what appears to be a dimly lit counting house. Matthew, surrounded by his colleagues, is interrupted by the arrival of Christ and St. Peter.

• Composition: The composition is divided into two distinct groups. On the right, Christ and St. Peter enter the scene. Christ's hand, extended towards Matthew, is a direct reference to Michelangelo's Creation of Adam on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, subtly linking the act of divine creation to the calling of an apostle. On the left, Matthew and his companions are seated around a table, engrossed in counting money. The stark contrast between these two groups creates a dynamic tension that draws the viewer's eye across the canvas.

• Light and Shadow: The dramatic use of tenebrism is a defining characteristic of the painting. A strong, diagonal beam of light enters from the upper right, illuminating the faces of Christ and Matthew while casting the rest of the scene in deep shadow. This light not only creates a sense of drama but also serves a symbolic function, representing divine grace entering the world and illuminating Matthew's soul.

• The Figures: The figures in the painting are portrayed with remarkable realism. Matthew and his companions are dressed in contemporary clothing, making them relatable to the viewers of Caravaggio's time. Their expressions range from curiosity to surprise to disbelief. Christ, in contrast, is depicted with a serene and compassionate demeanor. St. Peter, partially obscured behind Christ, serves as a witness to the event.

• Matthew's Reaction: The central question of the painting is: which figure is Matthew? There are two main interpretations:

  1. Matthew Points to Himself: In this interpretation, the bearded man at the center of the group, who is pointing to himself with a questioning look, is Matthew. He seems to be asking, "Are you calling me?"

  2. Matthew Counts His Money: The alternative interpretation identifies Matthew as the younger man at the far left, who is so absorbed in counting money that he doesn't immediately notice Christ's arrival. In this reading, the bearded man is simply asking who Christ is calling.

  Both interpretations are plausible and contribute to the painting's ambiguity and psychological complexity.

Interpretation and Symbolism

The Calling of St Matthew is rich in symbolism and invites multiple interpretations.

• Divine Grace: The beam of light represents divine grace, which is offered to all, regardless of their past. Matthew, a tax collector, was considered a sinner in Jewish society, yet Christ calls him to be one of his apostles. This underscores the message of redemption and forgiveness that is central to Christian theology.

• The Power of Choice: The painting captures the moment of decision. Matthew has the choice to accept or reject Christ's call. His expression of surprise and questioning suggests the weight of this decision.

• The Mundane and the Divine: Caravaggio juxtaposes the mundane world of money and commerce with the divine presence of Christ. This contrast highlights the transformative power of faith and the possibility of finding spiritual meaning in everyday life.

• Humanity's Imperfection: By depicting the figures in a realistic and unidealized manner, Caravaggio acknowledges the imperfections of humanity. Matthew and his companions are not saints; they are ordinary people with flaws and weaknesses. This makes their transformation all the more remarkable.

Caravaggio's Impact on Art History

The Calling of St Matthew had a profound impact on the development of Western art.

• The Baroque Style: Caravaggio's dramatic use of light and shadow, his realistic portrayal of figures, and his dynamic compositions helped to define the Baroque style. This style, which emphasized emotion, drama, and grandeur, dominated European art for much of the 17th century.

• Influence on Other Artists: Caravaggio's influence can be seen in the work of countless artists, including Rembrandt, Velázquez, and Rubens. These artists adopted his techniques of tenebrism and realism to create their own masterpieces.

• Breaking with Tradition: Caravaggio's rejection of idealized forms and his focus on ordinary people challenged the traditional conventions of art. He paved the way for future generations of artists to explore new subjects and styles.

• Psychological Realism: Caravaggio's ability to capture the psychological complexity of his figures was groundbreaking. He depicted not just their physical appearance but also their emotions, thoughts, and motivations. This emphasis on psychological realism has had a lasting impact on portraiture and narrative painting.

The Enduring Legacy

The Calling of St Matthew continues to captivate and inspire viewers today. Its powerful imagery, dramatic composition, and profound symbolism resonate with audiences across cultures and generations.

• A Timeless Message: The painting's message of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith remains relevant in the 21st century. It reminds us that everyone is capable of change and that even the most flawed individuals can find purpose and meaning in life.

• A Masterpiece of Art History: The Calling of St Matthew is widely recognized as one of the greatest paintings of all time. It is a testament to Caravaggio's genius and a landmark achievement in the history of Western art.

• A Source of Inspiration: The painting continues to inspire artists, writers, and filmmakers. Its dramatic use of light and shadow, its realistic portrayal of figures, and its powerful narrative make it a rich source of inspiration for creative expression.

The Conservation and Preservation

The Calling of St Matthew, like all artworks of its age, requires careful conservation and preservation to ensure its survival for future generations.

• Environmental Control: The chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi is carefully monitored to maintain a stable temperature and humidity level. Fluctuations in these conditions can cause damage to the painting's surface and support.

• Cleaning and Restoration: Over time, the painting has accumulated dirt, dust, and varnish layers that can obscure its original colors and details. Conservators periodically clean and restore the painting to remove these layers and reveal its original beauty.

• Non-Invasive Techniques: Modern conservation techniques emphasize non-invasive methods that minimize the risk of damage to the painting. These techniques include X-radiography, infrared reflectography, and ultraviolet fluorescence, which can provide valuable information about the painting's structure, materials, and condition without requiring physical intervention.

• Ongoing Monitoring: The painting is regularly inspected by conservators to detect any signs of deterioration or damage. This allows for early intervention and prevents minor problems from becoming major issues.

FAQ about The Calling of St Matthew

• Where is The Calling of St Matthew located?

  The Calling of St Matthew is located in the Contarelli Chapel in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, Italy.

• When was The Calling of St Matthew painted?

  The Calling of St Matthew was completed in 1600.

• Who painted The Calling of St Matthew?

  The Calling of St Matthew was painted by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.

• What is the subject of The Calling of St Matthew?

  The Calling of St Matthew depicts the moment when Jesus Christ calls Levi (later St. Matthew), a tax collector, to become his apostle.

• What is tenebrism?

  Tenebrism is a dramatic contrast between light and dark, often used to create a sense of drama and heighten the emotional impact of a painting. Caravaggio was a master of tenebrism.

• What is the significance of Christ's hand in the painting?

  Christ's hand, extended towards Matthew, is a direct reference to Michelangelo's Creation of Adam on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, linking the act of divine creation to the calling of an apostle.

• Who are the figures in the painting?

  The figures in the painting include Jesus Christ, St. Peter, Matthew (Levi), and Matthew's colleagues.

• What is the symbolism of the light in the painting?

  The beam of light represents divine grace, which is offered to all, regardless of their past.

• What is the significance of Matthew being a tax collector?

  Tax collectors were considered sinners in Jewish society, so Matthew's calling underscores the message of redemption and forgiveness that is central to Christian theology.

• How did The Calling of St Matthew influence art history?

  The Calling of St Matthew helped to define the Baroque style and influenced countless artists, including Rembrandt, Velázquez, and Rubens. It also challenged the traditional conventions of art and paved the way for future generations of artists to explore new subjects and styles.

Conclusion

The Calling of St Matthew is more than just a painting; it is a profound meditation on faith, redemption, and the transformative power of divine grace. Caravaggio's masterful use of light and shadow, his realistic portrayal of figures, and his innovative composition create a scene that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The painting's enduring legacy is a testament to its artistic merit and its timeless message. By understanding the historical and artistic context in which it was created, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the genius of Caravaggio and the enduring power of his art.