Caravaggio’s 'Calling of Saint Matthew' and the Political Theology of Conversion
A diagnostic examination of Caravaggio's 'Calling of Saint Matthew' reveals that Peter was added after the painting was finished. Created for San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome prior to the Jubilee year 1600, this artwork was produced during a time of political unrest following the Edict of Nantes (1598) and the contentious conversion of Henry IV to Catholicism. Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte unexpectedly commissioned the piece, which honored Mathieu Cointrel and connected Matthew to Henry. The biblical narrative underscored the redemptive power of grace, while the inclusion of Peter reinforced papal authority against Calvinist interpretations. In Caravaggio's subsequent work, 'Resurrection of Lazarus' (1609), there is a noticeable change in light and composition, featuring his self-portrait as a figure in prayer.
Key facts
- Diagnostic tests show Caravaggio added the figure of Peter after completing 'The Calling of Saint Matthew'.
- The painting was created for the Contarelli Chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome, around the Jubilee year 1600.
- The political context included the Edict of Nantes (1598) and suspicion about Henry IV's conversion.
- Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte supported Caravaggio for the commission.
- The painting uses John 1:9-12 to illustrate the theme of conversion.
- Caravaggio invented a distinctive light that becomes a cross aligned with Christ's hand.
- The addition of Peter emphasizes papal authority in response to Henry IV's earlier insult to Pope Sixtus V.
- Caravaggio later painted 'Resurrection of Lazarus' (1609) in Messina, where he included a self-portrait behind Christ's hand.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
- Michelangelo Buonarroti
- Masaccio
- Sebastiano del Piombo
Institutions
- San Luigi dei Francesi
- Palazzo Madama
- Contarelli Chapel
- Brancacci Chapel
- Cappella Sistina
- Museo Regionale di Messina
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Vatican City
- Messina
- France
- Paris
- Viterbo