A moment of spiritual awakening: Caravaggio's Calling of Saint Matthew

Summary

In the Contarelli Chapel of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, Beth and Steven discuss Caravaggio's paintings, focusing on 'The Calling of Saint Matthew.' The piece captures a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening, with Christ's gesture and light highlighting Matthew's transition from a tax collector to an apostle. Caravaggio's use of naturalism and chiaroscuro brings a sense of realism, making the figures relatable and the scene intimate. The discussion also touches on the artistic contrast between the spiritual and the earthly, and the significance of pointing in the painting.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Beth and Steven are discussing Caravaggio's paintings in the Contarelli Chapel of the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome.
• 🖌️ The paintings depict scenes from the life of Saint Matthew, focusing on his spiritual awakening and transformation.
• 📖 The first painting, 'The Calling of Saint Matthew,' illustrates the moment Jesus calls Matthew to follow him, as described in the Gospel of Matthew.
• 🌟 Caravaggio's use of light and gesture is central to identifying the key figures in the painting, with light streaming in from above Christ's head.
• 🤔 The composition is intriguing, with Christ partially obscured by Saint Peter and Matthew appearing somewhat lost among his colleagues.
• 👔 Caravaggio dressed the figures in contemporary clothing, grounding the scene in a more earthly and relatable context.
• 🏰 The setting is a tavern, a humble and everyday place, which contrasts with the spiritual significance of the event being depicted.
• 👀 The figures in the painting are depicted with intense naturalism, creating a vivid and realistic sense of presence.
• 🕍 The painting invites viewers into the scene, breaking down the barrier between the artwork's world and the viewer's reality.
• 🤲 The gesture of pointing is significant, with Christ, Peter, and Matthew all using it to varying degrees, symbolizing their roles and the spiritual message.
• 👥 There's a contrast between the figures who are aware of the spiritual event and those who are preoccupied with earthly matters, highlighting the theme of attention and awareness.

Q & A

Where are Beth and Steven discussing the paintings?

Beth and Steven are discussing the paintings in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome.

How many paintings by Caravaggio are mentioned in the script?

There are three paintings by Caravaggio mentioned in the script, all located in the Contarelli Chapel.

What is the subject of the painting on the left?

The painting on the left depicts the 'Calling of Saint Matthew,' illustrating the moment before Saint Matthew becomes an apostle of Christ.

What is significant about the moment captured in 'The Calling of Saint Matthew'?

The moment captured is significant as it represents Saint Matthew's spiritual awakening and the beginning of his transition to becoming one of Christ's apostles.

How does Caravaggio represent Christ and Matthew in the painting?

Caravaggio represents Christ and Matthew as common, earth-bound figures, dressed in contemporary clothing, and placed in an everyday setting like a tavern.

What is the role of light in Caravaggio's painting?

Light in Caravaggio's painting plays a crucial role, identifying the figures of Christ and Matthew and creating a diagonal movement from Christ to Matthew, symbolizing the call.

What aspect of Caravaggio's work is highlighted by the script?

The script highlights Caravaggio's intense naturalism and his use of light and shadow to create a vivid and realistic portrayal of the scene.

How does Caravaggio's portrayal of the figures differ from the High Renaissance style?

Caravaggio's figures are earth-bound and look like common people, in contrast to the High Renaissance style which creates a sense of the divine by making figures ideally beautiful.

What does the gesture of pointing signify in the painting?

The gesture of pointing signifies the call from Christ to Matthew and the transition from Matthew's earthly occupation to his spiritual calling.

How does the painting create a sense of connection between the viewer and the scene?

The painting creates a sense of connection by breaking down the separation between the world of the painting and the viewer's world, with figures that are close and seemingly within reach.

What is the significance of the space at the table in the painting?

The space at the table almost looks like it's waiting for the viewer, inviting them into the scene and further blurring the lines between the painting's world and the viewer's own.

What is the connection between Caravaggio's depiction of Christ's hand and Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam'?

Caravaggio's depiction of Christ's hand reaching out to Matthew mimics the gesture of God reaching out to Adam in Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam,' symbolizing Christ as the second Adam who brings salvation.