The Calling of Saint Matthew (1599–1600) Caravaggio's technique was one that highlighted realism through which he remained faithful to truthful details and never beyond those normally seen. He created a kind of realism that captured the viewer's attention to the symbolic meaning of the detailed content of the composition. His figures have now become the artistic objects used in creating the contrast between light and dark. His scenes are most often made up of a series of elaborate event actions, thus reproducing scenes of realism. However, it is impossible to regard Caravaggio simply as a realist and ignore his true innovation “…increasing dramatic effect through the use of always fake and often highly artificial lighting which displays his absolute sense of chiaroscuro”. The subject matter of Caravaggio's work remains rather conventional in its preference for religious themes and thus its effects on "...theatrical realism might well be called baroque". Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Composition of St. Matthew's Call This masterpiece describes the moment when Jesus Christ inspired Matthew to follow him to become an apostle. This painting was commissioned by Cardinal Matteo Contarelli, who provided specific resources and guidelines for decorating a chapel based on scenes from the life of St. Matthew. [2] The call of Saint Matthew reports the passage from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9.9), when Jesus, having entered the customs, saw Matthew in his place and called him: "Follow me". According to the Holy Scriptures, Matthew got up and followed him. Saint Matthew's vocation can be divided into two parts. The figures on the right form a vertical rectangle while those on the left create the horizontal piece. In this painting, Jesus is located standing on the right side of the painting and is almost completely covered by the apostle Peter, however, he is distinguished by his outstretched hand. Christ points to Levi, a publican and is depicted as the prominently bearded man wearing a dark-colored cap. Levi is positioned well to the left of this painting, however the viewer's attention is drawn to him by the hands of Jesus and Paul jointly pointing at him but also by the intensity of the light shining on his face. The other figures that appear in this painting are similar if not modeled after those people in other works by Caravaggio, such as the cheaters painted earlier. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Personalize essay The artist's use of light and shadow adds drama to this image with all the figures shrouded in shadow with only the radiant light shining through the wall and highlighting the fact of Matthew and the seated group. Caravaggio brought this canvas to life using bright colors, bold contrasts of yellow, red, gold and green, including various intricate fabric textures.