The Calling of St. Matthew

Definition

The Calling of St. Matthew is a renowned Baroque painting by Caravaggio that depicts the moment Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. This artwork is celebrated for its dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, which enhances the emotional intensity of the scene and exemplifies how Renaissance techniques influenced Baroque art. The painting merges religious themes with realistic human emotion, marking a pivotal shift in artistic expression during this time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Caravaggio completed The Calling of St. Matthew around 1599-1600, and it is housed in the Contarelli Chapel in Rome.
2. The painting is notable for its unconventional portrayal of biblical figures, showing them dressed in contemporary clothing rather than traditional robes.
3. The stark contrast between light and shadow not only highlights Matthew's figure but also creates a sense of divine intervention at the moment of calling.
4. Caravaggio's realistic representation of human emotion in the faces of the figures adds a layer of relatability to the biblical narrative.
5. The Calling of St. Matthew illustrates a shift from Renaissance ideals of beauty and idealism towards the raw realism and emotional depth characteristic of Baroque art.

Review Questions

• How does The Calling of St. Matthew reflect the transition from Renaissance ideals to Baroque techniques?
  • The Calling of St. Matthew showcases the transition from Renaissance ideals, which emphasized harmony and idealized beauty, to Baroque techniques that focus on emotional realism and dramatic lighting. Caravaggio’s use of chiaroscuro brings intense focus to the figures, particularly Matthew, highlighting the moment's significance. This shift illustrates how artists began to explore deeper emotional connections with their subjects, moving away from the more restrained expressions typical of the Renaissance.
• Discuss the role of chiaroscuro in The Calling of St. Matthew and its impact on Baroque art.
  • Chiaroscuro plays a critical role in The Calling of St. Matthew, creating a powerful visual dynamic that draws attention to the central figures while enhancing the emotional weight of the scene. This technique not only emphasizes the contrast between divinity and humanity but also serves as a hallmark of Baroque art, where light becomes a narrative tool that shapes perception and mood. Caravaggio's mastery of this technique influenced many subsequent artists, establishing chiaroscuro as a defining characteristic of the Baroque style.
• Evaluate how The Calling of St. Matthew exemplifies broader changes in religious art during the Baroque period.
  • The Calling of St. Matthew exemplifies broader changes in religious art during the Baroque period by highlighting personal faith experiences over grand narratives. Unlike previous art that often portrayed saints in idealized or distant manners, Caravaggio’s painting presents biblical figures as relatable individuals caught in a moment of life-changing significance. This approach not only makes religious themes more accessible to viewers but also reflects the Counter-Reformation's aim to engage believers emotionally, emphasizing individual piety over collective worship.

Related terms

Chiaroscuro: A technique used in painting that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality.

Naturalism:

An artistic style that seeks to depict subjects as they appear in real life, focusing on accurate representation and detail.

Baroque:

A highly decorative and theatrical style of art and architecture that emerged in the late 16th century, characterized by grandeur, drama, and movement.