Question

What are the characteristics of Caravaggio's painting 'Calling of Saint Matthew'?

1) Large, naturalistic figures occupy foreground in shallow space, as if on stage.
2) Dark background, intense contrast between highlights and shadows.
3) Extreme chiaroscuro called tenebrism creates dramatic effect.
4) Light emanates from right side of asymmetrical composition, creating strong diagonal lines and visual movement.

Answer 1

Caravaggio's 'The Calling of Saint Matthew' is known for its naturalistic, stage-like figures, stark contrast of light and shadow through tenebrism, and a lighting scheme that guides the viewer's attention to the narrative climax of Christ's summons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Caravaggio's The Calling of Saint Matthew, created circa 1599-1600, exhibits several distinctive features representing his style and the Baroque period. Noteworthy characteristics include:

Large naturalistic figures that dominate the foreground, presenting a sense of immediate presence as if the figures are actors on a stage.

A predominantly dark background with a marked contrast of light and shadow, emphasizing intense dramatic moments.

The use of tenebrism, which is an extreme form of chiaroscuro, creating a striking illumination of certain elements within a predominantly shadowy environment.

The source of light originates from the right side, outside the pictorial frame, casting strong diagonal lines and establishing a dynamic composition with significant visual movement.

This dramatic tableau showcases Caravaggio's mastery in capturing transformative biblical moments, with the depicted instance showing Christ calling Matthew to follow him. Matthew's identity, illuminated by a divine light, is sometimes subject to debate.

Caravaggisti, followers of Caravaggio's techniques, spread his influential style throughout Europe, profoundly affecting the trajectory of art history.