Caravaggio's The Calling of St. Matthew Masterpiece

Masterpiece of the Contarelli Chapel

The Calling of St. Matthew (1598–1600) by Caravaggio is a monumental oil on canvas measuring 3.22 x 3.40 m, located in the Church of St. Louis of the French in Rome. Cardinal Contarelli commissioned Caravaggio to decorate a chapel in the church with three paintings depicting scenes from the life of Saint Matthew. On the altar is St. Matthew and the Angel, while the sides feature The Calling of St. Matthew on the left and The Martyrdom of St. Matthew on the right.

Commission and Biblical Inspiration

The artist illustrates the Gospel passage describing the conversion of Saint Matthew:

"Jesus passed by, he saw a man sitting at the tax office, named Matthew, and said follow me. And he arose and followed him" (Matthew 9:9-10).

Artistic Realism and Human Connection

To the right of the painting is Christ who, accompanied by St. Peter, calls Matthew as he sits next to four guests around a table. Feeling challenged, Matthew stops counting coins and looks toward Christ as if to say, "Do you mean me?"

Caravaggio, true to his artistic vision, used human types from the Roman neighborhoods he frequented. The setting could just as easily be a tavern. Only the faint halo over Christ's head provides a religious signifier, bringing sacred scenes closer to ordinary people.

Symbolism of Light and Tenebrism

Light plays a fundamental role, selectively illuminating the scene while leaving large areas in darkness. It enters through a window outside the frame (top right), serving as a link between the characters. It first illuminates the face of Christ, points out his hand—which captures our attention—and then moves across the faces of the other characters.

The strong contrast of light and dark (tenebrism) carries clear symbolism. Light represents the truth that penetrates the darkness, arriving with the voice of Christ to the heart of the tax collector who became Saint Matthew the Evangelist.

Character Reactions and Dramatic Division

Caravaggio performs a superb study of character reactions:

• Matthew: Shows amazement while directing his gaze toward Christ.
• Young People: Display immediate surprise.
• Distant Characters: Remain absorbed in their occupation.

The horizontal division of the canvas into two parts—the lower occupied by figures and the top (where the light originates) left almost empty—intensifies the dramatic effect of the action.

Defining Caravaggio’s Naturalistic Style

In this painting, we see the defining characteristics of Caravaggio’s later works:

• The naturalistic treatment of sacred scenes that brings them closer to the common people.
• The masterful use of light and tenebrism.
• The deep study of human faces and their emotional reactions.