1599–1600 · Baroque

The Calling of Saint Matthew

By Caravaggio. A diagonal beam of light transforms a dim room into a moment of decision, collapsing biblical time into Caravaggio's contemporary world.

Look closer

A diagonal beam of light transforms a dim room into a moment of decision, collapsing biblical time into Caravaggio's contemporary world.

ArtistCaravaggio

Date1599–1600

MediumOil on canvas

MovementBaroque

CollectionContarelli Chapel, San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome

Why it matters

A diagonal beam of light transforms a dim room into a moment of decision, collapsing biblical time into Caravaggio's contemporary world.

See this work in context through Baroque and the Baroque period.