"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.
