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.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 'The Calling of Saint Matthew' by Caravaggio

Beth and Steven discuss Caravaggio's painting 'The Calling of Saint Matthew' in the Contarelli Chapel of the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome. The painting captures the moment of spiritual awakening of Saint Matthew, who is being called by Jesus to become one of his apostles. Caravaggio's use of light and gesture to identify the figures is highlighted, with Christ's hand pointing towards Matthew, who is depicted as a tax collector among his colleagues. The painting is noted for its naturalism and the contrast between the spiritual and the earthly, as the other figures in the scene are preoccupied with counting money, showing a lack of awareness of the divine encounter. The composition and the use of contemporary clothing add to the painting's earth-bound quality, making it relatable and immediate. The discussion also touches on the concept of Christ as the 'second Adam,' bringing salvation in contrast to Adam's original sin.

Keywords

💡Caravaggio

Caravaggio, born Michelangelo Merisi, was an Italian painter active in Rome, Naples, Malta, and Sicily between 1593 and 1609. He is renowned for his dramatic use of chiaroscuro, the technique of using strong contrasts between light and dark, which is evident in his painting 'The Calling of Saint Matthew'. In the video, Caravaggio's work is discussed in the context of its naturalism and the spiritual awakening depicted in the scene, where Jesus calls Matthew to follow him.

💡Contarelli Chapel

The Contarelli Chapel is a side chapel in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, Italy. It is famous for housing three paintings by Caravaggio, including 'The Calling of Saint Matthew'. The chapel serves as the setting for the video's discussion, highlighting the significance of these artworks within the context of the church and their impact on viewers.

💡Spiritual Awakening

Spiritual awakening refers to a profound transformation in one's consciousness, often associated with a deeper understanding or connection to the divine. In the video, the concept is central to the interpretation of 'The Calling of Saint Matthew', where Matthew experiences a moment of divine calling that signifies his spiritual transformation from a tax collector to one of Jesus' apostles.

💡Baroque Art

Baroque art is an artistic style that originated in the 17th century in Italy and spread throughout Europe. It is characterized by dramatic, often theatrical effects, bold colors, and intense light and shadow contrasts. The video discusses how Caravaggio's work, with its focus on capturing moments of spiritual awakening, is a prime example of Baroque art's interest in emotional and spiritual intensity.

💡Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro is the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create dramatic effects in art. It is a technique that Caravaggio mastered and is prominently featured in his paintings. In the video, chiaroscuro is highlighted as a key element that gives Caravaggio's figures a sense of weight and mass, contributing to the naturalism and realism of the scene.

💡Naturalism

Naturalism in art refers to the depiction of subjects as they appear in real life, with a focus on accurate representation. Caravaggio is known for his intense naturalism, which is evident in the realistic portrayal of the figures in 'The Calling of Saint Matthew'. The video explains how Caravaggio's figures are earth-bound and relatable, dressed in contemporary clothing, enhancing the painting's connection to the viewer.

💡Tax Collector

In the context of the video, a tax collector refers to Matthew's profession before his calling by Jesus. Tax collectors in biblical times were often viewed negatively due to their association with the Roman occupation and their perceived greed. The video discusses how Caravaggio portrays Matthew as a tax collector, emphasizing the contrast between his earthly occupation and the spiritual calling he receives.

💡Apostle

An apostle is a person sent on a mission, often referring to the twelve main disciples of Jesus in Christian tradition. The video discusses Saint Matthew's transition from a tax collector to becoming one of Christ's apostles, highlighting the significance of the moment captured in Caravaggio's painting.

💡Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. It tells the story of Jesus Christ and is the source of the passage depicted in Caravaggio's painting. The video references the specific passage where Jesus calls Matthew, emphasizing the simplicity and profundity of the biblical text that Caravaggio has illustrated.

💡Contemporary Clothing

Caravaggio's choice to dress his figures in clothing of his own time, rather than in traditional biblical attire, is a distinctive feature of his work. The video notes this as a way to make the religious scene more relatable to the viewers, breaking down the temporal distance between the depicted event and the viewer's own world.

💡Michelangelo

Michelangelo, full name Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, was a renowned Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance. The video draws a comparison between Caravaggio's 'The Calling of Saint Matthew' and Michelangelo's 'The Creation of Adam', noting the symbolic gesture of reaching out, which signifies God's and Christ's role in salvation and the establishment of the church.

Highlights

The discussion takes place in the Contarelli Chapel of the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, focusing on Caravaggio's paintings.

There are three paintings by Caravaggio, each depicting a key moment in the life of Saint Matthew.

The first painting represents the Calling of Saint Matthew, illustrating his spiritual awakening.

Caravaggio captures the moment of conversion, a theme of interest to Baroque artists.

The gospel of Matthew passage is depicted, showing Jesus calling Matthew to follow him.

Caravaggio's work is distinctly earth-bound, with only a subtle hint of the spiritual in the halo above Christ's head.

The composition is unique, with Christ and Matthew somewhat obscured among other figures.

Both Christ and Matthew are identified by light and gesture, with a diagonal light source highlighting their interaction.

Matthew's portrayal is of a man in transition, caught between his past as a tax collector and his potential future as an apostle.

Caravaggio dresses the figures in contemporary clothing, grounding the scene in reality rather than idealized spirituality.

The setting is a tavern, a humble and earthly place, contrasting with the divine themes.

The figures are depicted with intense naturalism, creating a sense of weight and mass.

The painting breaks down the barrier between the world of the painting and the viewer's world.

Christ's gesture towards Matthew mimics God's reach to Adam in Michelangelo's Creation of Adam, symbolizing Christ as the second Adam.

The pointing gesture is a recurring motif, with Christ, Peter, and Matthew all pointing in different ways.

There is a contrast between the figures who are aware of the spiritual moment and those focused on earthly matters.

The painting invites viewers to consider their own spiritual awakening and transformation.

The discussion concludes by noting the importance of this painting as one of three in the chapel, all dedicated to Saint Matthew.

Transcripts

(jazzy piano music)

- [Beth] We're in the church

of San Luigi dei Francesi here in Rome,

and we're looking at the paintings by Caravaggio

in the Contarelli Chapel.

- [Steven] There are three paintings.

The painting on the left shows the Calling of Saint Matthew.

Saint Matthew would become one of the apostles of Christ,

but this is the moment just before,

the moment of transition that is his spiritual awakening.

- [Beth] And this idea of capturing the moment

of spiritual awakening, a moment of conversion,

was something that interested

Baroque artists like Caravaggio.

Here's the passage from the gospel of Matthew

that Caravaggio has painted.

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew

sitting at the tax collector's booth.

"Follow me," he told him,

and Matthew got up and followed him.

Such a simple passage, but so profound.

- [Steven] Caravaggio has given us something

that is distinctly earth-bound,

that emits only the barest hint of the spiritual

in the hairline halo above Christ's head.

- [Beth] And It's a very interesting composition

because Christ, the main figure here and Matthew too,

are both a little bit lost.

Christ stands behind Saint Peter,

and his body is covered by Saint Peter

except for his head and his right arm,

which reaches out to point to Matthew.

And then Matthew is a little bit lost

among this group of five colleagues.

Matthew is a tax collector

and they're here looking at the money

that they have collected.

- [Steven] Both figures are identified by light,

and by gesture.

The light streams in from an unseen source

just above Christ's head,

and moves from the upper right at a diagonal

down to Matthew.

Christ almost languidly extends his hand,

but Matthew responds by pointing to himself with vigor

as if he's saying you've got the wrong guy,

why would you call me?

- [Beth] I'm a tax collector,

here I am counting my money, I'm in a tavern.

Caravaggio dressed the figures in contemporary clothing.

There's very little about this

that looks like a spiritual moment.

The art of the High Renaissance

creates a sense of the divine

by making figures ideally beautiful.

But Caravaggio's figures are as you said, earth-bound,

they look like common people that Caravaggio might have seen

on the streets of Rome.

- [Steven] This is set in a tavern, in a bar,

in a lowly place.

- [Beth] What's wonderful to me

is the way that Matthew is in transition.

He's pointing to himself as though saying,

It's me that you want? - How could that be?

- [Beth] In total disbelief.

But his right hand is still reaching out

to the money that he has collected.

So he's divided in that way,

and there's a sense of a real, caught moment.

The figure on the upper left is examining the coins,

the figure close to us on the left

is counting them with his right hand,

the figure on the right corner of the table leans

and looks out at something

outside the space of the painting,

the figure right next to Matthew

has his arm on his shoulder,

and yet, this profound moment of spiritual transformation.

- [Steven] The characteristic that Caravaggio

is most known for is his intense naturalism,

and he creates the sharp contrast between light and shadow,

creating a vividness and a sense that the bodies

have weight and mass that is astonishingly naturalistic.

- [Beth] These figures are so close to us

we feel as though we could reach out to touch them,

in fact there's a space at the table

that almost looks like it's waiting for us.

This is a painting, like so much of Baroque art,

that breaks down the distance, the separation

between the world of the painting and our own world.

- [Steven] Look at the way that Christ

reaches forward to Matthew,

it is mimicking the way

that God reaches out to Adam in the Creation of Adam,

by Michelangelo on the Sistine Chapel ceiling,

but the hand is actually derived from Adam's hand,

and this is based on the idea

that Christ is the second Adam.

- [Beth] That Christ brings us salvation

where Adam caused the fall into sin.

But I'm really interested in this pointing, because

we have Christ pointing, - We have Peter pointing.

- [Beth] Only slightly more assertively

than Christ does,

and in a way Peter does stand between Christ and man,

he is the founder of the church.

And then this more forceful pointing that Matthew does.

- [Steven] And then It's also the issue of attention,

Matthew is looking at Christ and Peter,

but the figures at the left side

don't even seem to notice those spiritual figures,

they're focus is on the earthly.

So there is this wonderful contrast

between those that are aware of the spiritual,

and those that are not.

There's so much we could talk about in this painting,

but it's important to remember

that this is just one of three

in this tiny, little chapel.

- [Beth] All dedicated to Saint Matthew.

(jazzy piano music)