Entry 19

“Saint Mathew and the Angel”

By: Caravaggio

1602

Oil Canvas

Size

Bottom: 87 x 72 inches

Top: 116 x 77 inches

Location

Bottom: Formerly in Berlin

Top: Rome, Church of San Luigi dei Francesi

If you notice both of Caravaggio’s paintings of Saint Matthews’s inspiration to write are drastically different in their presentations. The painting on the Bottom is his first attempt which was rejected for lacking respect and religious context by it commissioners. If you notice the painting on the bottom portrays Matthew as an average everyday person. His attire and his posture offer that he is of working class and gives no hint of nobility or respect. This picture was rejected and made its way to Berlin and was in Kaiser Friedrich Museum, but was destroyed in 1945 during World War II. The picture on the top is Caravaggio’s second attempt at the painting and this piece of art work is a much different representation of the encounter. Matthew sees the angel over his shoulder and is in a surprised state. He is receiving verbal guidance from the angel opposed to physical. He is also given a halo around his head which gives more respect to the saint. This image was accepted by the commissioners because it granted more respect to the saint.

Resources

Caravaggio The Complete Works

by Alessandro Guasti and Franchesca Neri