"The Calling of Matthew" (c. 1599-1602, oil on canvas) exhibits strong lights and darks, from which the figures seem to "emerge from dark backgrounds into a strong light"(23). Caravaggio painted this work for the private chapel of the Contarelli family church and depicts the Biblical narrative of Jesus calling the tax collector to be a disciple. The light source from the right is repeated by Jesus' pointing hand and the hand of the surprised Matthew.

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© Annette Milligan 1998