The Portrait Of Jesus Through St. Matthew's Eyes

Caravaggio's painting, 'The Calling of St. Matthew', depicts the moment described in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, verse 9, in which Jesus calls on the tax collector, Matthew, to follow him. Caravaggio's work is a dramatic and gritty portrayal of this biblical scene, utilising lighting and staging to convey a spiritual narrative. The painting is characterised by its large scale, measuring 10.5 feet by 11 feet, and its use of contemporary fashion to increase the accessibility of the scene to its audience. Caravaggio's unique style and subject matter have led to his work being described as a form of spiritual drama. This is evident in 'The Calling of St. Matthew', where the artist employs light and gesture to convey a sense of divine illumination, inviting viewers to imagine themselves within the narrative.

Caravaggio's use of lighting and staging

Caravaggio's paintings are renowned for their lighting, which was achieved through a technique known as chiaroscuro. This technique, which involves the use of contrasting light and dark tones, creates a sense of depth in a painting and was a significant departure from the style of Caravaggio's time. The artist is also known for his use of tenebrism, a style of painting that employs violent contrasts of light and dark, with darkness as a dominating feature of the image. Caravaggio's lighting style is often referred to as "dramatic illumination", where light becomes a central narrative device, helping to convey emotion and guide the viewer's eye.

Caravaggio's paintings were originally displayed in dimly lit churches and religious buildings. The infusion of light in his paintings would have stood out in these environments, creating a striking visual effect. Caravaggio's use of lighting was influenced by Giuseppe Cesari, a painter from Rome known for his skillful use of light and shadow. Caravaggio's own mastery of light and shadow brought a new level of emotional complexity and visceral realism to his work.

Caravaggio's staging techniques are closely linked to his use of lighting. He often painted directly onto the canvas, without preliminary drawings, creating a graphic trace with burnt umber. He would then paint with fast and loose yet strong and full brushstrokes, building his compositions by overlapping planes starting from the bottom. This approach allowed him to capture the naturalism and grit of his subjects, who were often ordinary people, including his friends, lovers, and models from marginalised parts of society. Caravaggio's compositions are relatively simple compared to those of his contemporaries, providing viewers with areas of rest for the eye and soul.

Caravaggio's painting "The Calling of St Matthew" is a notable example of his use of lighting and staging. The dramatic lighting, vivid colours, and powerful composition of this piece convey a sense of awe and mystery, capturing the moment when Jesus calls Matthew to follow him. Caravaggio's work, with its emotional rawness and captivating realism, continues to influence artists and filmmakers centuries later.

The identity of Matthew

Caravaggio's painting, *The Calling of St. Matthew*, depicts the moment described in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, verse 9: "Jesus saw a man named Matthew at his seat in the custom house, and said to him, 'Follow me,' and Matthew rose and followed Him." The painting shows Jesus and Peter standing on the right side of the painting, with Jesus pointing towards Matthew. However, the identity of Matthew among the group of men on the left is ambiguous.

Some scholars suggest that Matthew is the man hunched over coins, as the bearded man next to him appears to be pointing in his direction. Another interpretation is that this bearded man is actually Matthew, with his finger pointing towards his chest, illuminated by a radiant light to indicate that he has been chosen by God. Caravaggio may have intentionally left Matthew's identity ambiguous to suggest that any person could be called by God.

The painting is notable for its dramatic use of light and gritty "realistic" details, such as dirty feet, which Caravaggio used to emphasise Jesus's ability to uplift the lowly and transform humiliation into blessedness. Caravaggio's use of contemporary fashion in the painting, rather than the clothing of the period he was depicting, also adds to the sense of realism and helps to communicate the scene to the audience.

The Calling of St. Matthew is one of three paintings Caravaggio created for the Contarelli Chapel in Rome, Italy, all of which centre on the apostle. The other two paintings are *The Inspiration of St. Matthew*, which shows the saint at work on his Gospel, and *The Martyrdom of St. Matthew*, which depicts his murder at the orders of the king of Ethiopia.

The portrayal of Jesus as a teacher

One key aspect of Jesus' portrayal as a teacher is his use of parables. The Gospel of Matthew includes many parables, which are simple stories or analogies that convey a moral or spiritual lesson. By using relatable and accessible examples, Jesus was able to communicate complex spiritual truths in a way that resonated with the people of his time. The parables often used everyday scenarios or agricultural themes, reflecting the rural setting of Jesus' ministry and providing a familiar context for his teachings.

In artistic depictions, Jesus is often shown surrounded by his disciples, engaging in active discussion or delivering a sermon. These scenes often take place in natural settings, such as hillsides or gardens, reflecting the itinerant nature of Jesus' ministry. Sometimes, artists include symbolic details in the background, such as a flock of sheep or a fishing boat, alluding to Jesus as the Good Shepherd or the theme of discipleship.

The use of hand gestures is also significant in portraying Jesus as a teacher. In many paintings and icons, Jesus is depicted with one or both hands raised in a gesture of instruction or blessing. This hand posture, known as the "teacher's hand," emphasizes the spoken word and adds visual emphasis to the act of teaching. Often, Jesus' gaze will be directed towards his disciples, conveying a sense of personal connection and engagement with his students.

Another important aspect of Jesus' portrayal as a teacher is the use of textual elements in art. In medieval and Renaissance art, for example, illuminated manuscripts and frescoes often included scenes from the Life of Christ, with specific emphasis on his teaching moments. These images would be accompanied by textual excerpts from the Gospel of Matthew or other sources, providing a direct link between the visual depiction and the biblical narrative.

Finally, the portrayal of Jesus as a teacher extends beyond his immediate disciples to encompass all believers. Through the depiction of Jesus as a teacher, Christians are invited to follow in his footsteps, embracing a lifelong journey of learning and spiritual growth. This portrayal also emphasizes the accessibility of Jesus' teachings, encouraging people from all walks of life to seek wisdom and understanding through his example.

The use of contemporary fashion

Caravaggio's "The Calling of St. Matthew" is a dramatic and emotional portrayal of the moment described in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, verse 9. The painting depicts Jesus and Peter standing on the right, with a cluster of men on the left, including the soon-to-be-saint Matthew. Caravaggio's use of contemporary fashion from the late 16th century is a notable aspect of this painting.

The artist dressed the figures in the painting in the finery of his day, with fancy dresses and men's finery. This choice of attire served a specific purpose and played a significant role in communicating the scene to the audience. The men's elaborate clothing, combined with their posture and the dark setting, emphasized their apparent greed and wickedness. This contrast between the luxurious outfits and the moral message of the scene added to the overall impact of the painting.

Caravaggio's decision to use contemporary fashion can be understood in the context of his artistic style and goals. He was known for bringing drama to life through his paintings, and this choice of attire contributed to the overall dramatic effect. Additionally, Caravaggio may have wanted to make the scene more relatable and accessible to his audience by dressing the figures in familiar, contemporary clothing.

In conclusion, Caravaggio's use of contemporary fashion in "The Calling of St. Matthew" served multiple purposes. It enhanced the dramatic impact of the scene, made the painting more relatable to its original audience, and emphasized the universality and timelessness of the spiritual message conveyed by the artist. This combination of artistic skill and spiritual storytelling is a hallmark of Caravaggio's work and has contributed to the enduring appeal of "The Calling of St. Matthew."

The role of conversion and martyrdom

Caravaggio's paintings of St. Matthew, including The Calling of St. Matthew, The Inspiration of St. Matthew, and The Martyrdom of St. Matthew, explore the themes of conversion and martyrdom.

The Calling of St. Matthew depicts the moment described in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus calls the tax collector Matthew to follow him. Caravaggio uses light and gesture to reveal Matthew, with a beam of light illuminating his face as he is chosen by Christ. This painting serves as a reminder that Christ came "not to call the righteous, but sinners," emphasizing the transformative power of conversion.

The Inspiration of St. Matthew shows the saint at work on his Gospel, consulting with angels. The heavy atmosphere and teetering stool pull the viewer into the scene, while the bright red-orange of Matthew's robes symbolizes the Holy Spirit working through him. This painting ties together the themes of conversion and martyrdom, as Matthew's spiritual transformation inspires him to record his Gospel despite the impending martyrdom he faces.

The Martyrdom of St. Matthew illustrates the saint's murder at the orders of the King of Ethiopia. While this painting does not directly depict Matthew's conversion, it serves as a reminder of his commitment to his faith, even in the face of death. The inclusion of martyrdom in the series underscores the idea that spiritual transformation can lead to sacrifice and self-denial.

Caravaggio's use of gritty realism, dramatic lighting, and emotional storytelling in these paintings captures the spiritual drama of conversion and martyrdom. Through his unique style, he emphasizes the transformative power of faith and the enduring devotion that can lead to martyrdom.

Overall, the role of conversion and martyrdom in Caravaggio's paintings of St. Matthew is to highlight the spiritual journey of transformation, sacrifice, and devotion. These themes, intertwined with Caravaggio's artistic choices, create a powerful narrative that has endured through the centuries.

Frequently asked questions