Final answer:
The painting is titled The Calling of St. Matthew, and it showcases Caravaggio's mastery of tenebrism, a style characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. Created in c.1599-1600 as an oil on canvas, it is a defining piece of Baroque art, influencing many with its revolutionary use of light to emphasize critical moments and figures within the painting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Title of the Painting and its Style and Technique
The title of the painting is The Calling of St. Matthew. Created by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio around c.1599-1600, this masterpiece is renowned for its use of tenebrism, a technique that plays with stark contrasts between light and dark, often using shadows to emphasize certain elements and create a dramatic atmosphere.
The painting is an oil on canvas, sized approximately 133.9 x 126.8 inches, and is presently found in the Contarelli Chapel within the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome. It portrays the biblical story of Christ calling upon Matthew to follow him, a subject depicted with a profound sense of realism. Caravaggio's use of illumination is selective, highlighting important figures such as Jesus and St. Matthew, whose identity is sometimes debated, while casting non-essential elements into shadow. This creates a sense of stopped action and puts emphasis on the significant moment of the encounter.
The Caravaggisti, Caravaggio's followers, and many other artists were highly influenced by the distinct and innovative style displayed in The Calling of Saint Matthew. The technique utilized by Caravaggio is considered revolutionary, setting a new direction for Baroque art through his exceptional handling of light and composition.