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Art Analysis Of The Calling Of St Matthew

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This essay will analyze, The Calling of St Matthews, an oil on canvas painting made between the years of 1599-1600 by the artist, Caravaggio. Descriptive details of this painting will follow, which will allow an in-depth look into the elements and principles of design that are evident in this Caravaggio’s work. The Calling of St Matthew illustrates a religious scene where Jesus initially encounters Saint Matthew.
Most striking is the group of well-dressed young and old men who have gathered around a table counting money. One young man has a rapier at his side. Perhaps they are gangsters sitting in a bar gambling. An upright gentleman in dark attire, punctuated by red sleeves, stands in the shadows, his cheekbones red and defined. The glint of a halo adorns him and provides religious iconography. Jesus points his hand at a bearded gentleman sitting amongst his friends, Saint Matthew. Sunlight cuts the room in half and catches Matthew’s face. He looks both surprised and guilty, but the pointing leaves Matthew confused, so he points to himself as if to say, “Oh, are you looking for me?” On the far left of the table, a young accountant is absorbed in counting his coins; an old man in spectacles joins his side. A boy in yellow with a prepubescent face, looks upon Jesus with an air of “Who is this fellow?” An old man with a cane, points his hand too at Matthew as if to question, “Are you sure he is a Saint?” The focal point bounces between Jesus and Matthew; his gaze and the

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