I loved this essay! You drew so much out of this painting that I’d never noticed or thought about before. I’d never noticed the “Vs and Xs” of the Renaissance style, but I loved that comment and the point about God breaking into our world. Also the empty seat at the table and the Ignatian invitation into the story. What a lovely read.
Wonderful article, and a clear response to which of the men at the table is Matthew. I have seen this painting insitu and it has stayed in my mind. Thank you.
I’m going back for two weeks in January and I’m going to look more closely at the other two. My favorite Caravaggio is is Maria del popolo chapel . On the Road to Damascus. Thank you Amelia.!
The Cersasi chapel paintings are also my favorites! I saw them for the first time after a disappointing trip to the Vatican. The museum closed early and everyone was quite literally shoved out. Afterwards, we visited Santa Maria del Popolo which was empty and I was able to sit and pray in front of the Crucifixion of Peter and the Conversion of Paul for some time. I was very moved by the way Caravaggio juxtaposed the agony and ecstasy of the Christian life. This experience was right before I went to college. The memory of seeing those paintings was a grace that I needed at that moment in my life.
Amelia, I want your voice in my head if I ever go.. if my eyes are ever graced by Caravaggio’s work, I would want my mind’s ear to be graced by you as well!
I loved this essay! You drew so much out of this painting that I’d never noticed or thought about before. I’d never noticed the “Vs and Xs” of the Renaissance style, but I loved that comment and the point about God breaking into our world. Also the empty seat at the table and the Ignatian invitation into the story. What a lovely read.
Thank you Olivia! We used to map that kind of thing in my art history classes, and I always loved the way Caravaggio used the compositional technique.
Thank you for this thoughtful, rich reflection. You help us appreciate both sacred art and our good God.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment Angela.
I have never been to Italy but through you I now feel like I have, Thank you so much,😊
Thank you Lauren!
Wonderful article, and a clear response to which of the men at the table is Matthew. I have seen this painting insitu and it has stayed in my mind. Thank you.
Thank you! I have seen it too, and it really was an overwhelming experience.
Thanks for that. I didn’t know the name of the Chapel. 😊
I’m going back for two weeks in January and I’m going to look more closely at the other two. My favorite Caravaggio is is Maria del popolo chapel . On the Road to Damascus. Thank you Amelia.!
The Cersasi chapel paintings are also my favorites! I saw them for the first time after a disappointing trip to the Vatican. The museum closed early and everyone was quite literally shoved out. Afterwards, we visited Santa Maria del Popolo which was empty and I was able to sit and pray in front of the Crucifixion of Peter and the Conversion of Paul for some time. I was very moved by the way Caravaggio juxtaposed the agony and ecstasy of the Christian life. This experience was right before I went to college. The memory of seeing those paintings was a grace that I needed at that moment in my life.
Amelia, I want your voice in my head if I ever go.. if my eyes are ever graced by Caravaggio’s work, I would want my mind’s ear to be graced by you as well!
Amazing reflection and I had never heard that story of St Matthew’s death
The Calling of St. Matthew is one of my favorites. It reminds me that God will call anyone, no matter how wretched.
Fascinating! I particularly appreciated the connection to Michelangelo's "pointing finger" in the Sistine Chapel. Well done.