The Calling of Saint Matthew

"The Calling of Saint Matthew" is one of Caravaggio's most renowned masterpieces, painted between 1599 and 1600 for the Contarelli Chapel in Rome. This evocative work captures the moment Jesus summons Matthew to follow him, a scene drawn from the Gospel of Matthew. There is considerable debate regarding which figure in the painting represents Matthew, with different interpretations enhancing its enigmatic allure. Some experts even posit that Jesus is depicted as the Last Adam, alluding to Michelangelo's art.

Cardinal Francesco Del Monte was instrumental in securing this commission for Caravaggio, who also created "The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew" for the same chapel. Caravaggio's style in "The Calling of Saint Matthew" signified a pivotal departure from the Mannerist style towards a more naturalistic approach, which had a profound influence on the art of that period. The painting masterfully juxtaposes Christ's divine illumination with the dim, shadowy realm of the tax collectors.

Pope Francis has conveyed a personal affinity for this painting, often meditating on its poignant themes of sin and redemption. While numerous other artists have depicted the calling of Matthew, Caravaggio's interpretation remains a particularly significant and influential work in the annals of art history.