Introduction
Art is a unique phenomenon of human culture that inspires people and makes them think about different issues. Appealing to individuals’ senses and imagination, creators can convey specific messages or show scenes vital for any person. For this reason, visual arts often depict recognizable images or events that might have a substantial impact on viewers and change their attitudes to a particular phenomenon.
For instance, religious motifs were one of the most common motifs used by the artists of the Renaissance because of the significant role church and religion played in the lives of individuals at that period (Kleiner, 2019). As a result, today, people can enjoy numerous masterpieces of that period, and the Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio is one of them. The image has strong inspirational power and can make a person rethink his/her attitude to life, choice, destiny, faith, and God.
Painting Description
The painting shows the moment when Jesus Christ asks Matthew to follow him, forget his past, and become one of the apostles. It can be viewed as one of the best works of Caravaggio as it combines the perfect shapes, colors, use of light, and a specific story (Kleiner, 2019). The artist uses natural settings to speak about religious stories, which makes the image more understandable for ordinary people.
Jesus brings the sunlight to the dark room where tax collectors sit. It creates an opposition between the dark world of people who do not have a purpose in their lives and the immortal faith (Campbell, 2021). The ray of light also points at Matthew, who is chosen, which also has a symbolic meaning.
In such a way, the given piece of art is a masterpiece created by one of the outstanding artists. However, along with the unquestionable art value, the image’s importance for humanity and its recognition can be explained by the thoughts it evokes in individuals who see it.
Personal Reflection on the Artwork
Reflecting on the drawing, it is possible to experience the presence of God in every individual’s life and the chance for salvation for everyone who can dare to leave the past life behind and start something new. At the same time, Caravaggio shows that miracles can happen everywhere, as the image depicts a typical setting (Kleiner, 2019). It has a strong inspirational effect on individuals and makes them believe they can also be a part of the miracle.
Evaluating the Quality of the Art
Moreover, whenanalyzing the selected art piece, it is impossible to use standard definitions such as bad or good. The Calling of St. Matthew is one of the recognized masterpieces, meaning composition, colors, shades, lines, and brush strokes are perfect and create the complete image. However, the symbolic meaning of the image and its impact on viewers is more important when speaking about the nature of the artwork. For this reason, the standard definitions are not applicable when speaking about Caravaggio’s masterpieces. It is a unique creation that has the power to impact viewers and make them think about God in their lives while inspiring the beauty of the image.
Emotional Response and Its Meaning
As stated previously, the picture evokes specific feelings when looking at it. This can be explained by the specific approach Caravaggio uses to depict the main characters. Thus, the ray of the sun, which follows Jesus’ gesture and points at Matthew, who is the only one to realize who enters the room, is a powerful symbol of faith (“The Calling of Saint Matthew,” n.d.). Extremely expressive light and shadow become a vital element of composition (“The Calling of Saint Matthew,” n.d.). At the same time, they make viewers feel inspired and in a high mood because something good is entering Matthew’s life. Jesus offers him to join, which triggers positive emotions and helps to disregard the dull shades of the world around Matthew.
Relevance to My Life and Ministry
Moreover, the true power of art can be proven by the ability to use experiences acquired when analyzing it in real life or ministry. This means that the Calling of St. Matthew might be considered an educational artwork as it promotes a deeper view of religion and its role in people’s lives. Using the plot depicted in the image, it is possible to cultivate the idea that God can be found and felt in various things. Even the occasional meetings or events can provide individuals with the chance to discover new meanings and alter their lives radically, the same as Matthew did after he met Jesus.
Theological Insights Gained from the Art
Furthermore, the artwork is linked to a person’s theology and understanding of God. The problem is that most individuals view God as an abstract notion far from their lives. However, most global religions state that miracles can be found everywhere as God is omnipresent. Caravaggio’s artwork proves this idea as Jesus and one of his apostles are depicted in usual settings. The selection of the place and the method to depict it are not accidental. The artist wanted viewers to understand his masterpiece and understand that God is close to everyone. In such a way, the artwork introduces the basics of religion and why it is possible to find miracles in simple things.
Additionally, the artwork is vital for a better understanding of scripture, which might be difficult for some individuals. The calling of St. Matthew can be found in three gospels, meaning it is an essential part of religious texts. The artwork depicting the process is critical for realizing the image of Matthew and Christ. It shows that the apostle left the dull and grey life behind and followed the light of religion, which altered his destiny radically.
The visualization of the critical part of the scripture creates a broader image in individuals’ minds and helps to look at Matthew from a new angle. He can be imagined as an ordinary person who once decided to alter his life and serve God. It became a fundamental aspect of his life, turning Matthew into one of the apostles and Jesus’ followers. In such a way, the artwork links the imaginary, almost mythic image of Matthew with a real person, which can also be viewed as a bridge connecting scriptures and reality.
Conclusion
All things considered, Caravaggio’s Calling of St. Matthew is among the most well-known works of art with a religious topic. Although the image has a unique artistic value, its importance can also be linked to the fact that it inspires people and makes them think about spiritual and religious issues. The work shows how God can be found everywhere, and a person’s way of finding himself/herself might be complex. However, like the ray of light pointing at Matthew in Caravaggio’s painting, faith can show the right direction and initiate a positive change in an individual and his destiny. For this reason, the selected image can be viewed as an inspiring and important artwork that makes individuals think about their lives.
References
Campbell, G. (2021). The Oxford illustrated history of the Renaissance. Oxford University Press.
The Calling of Saint Matthew. (n.d.). Artble. Web.
Kleiner, F. (2019). Gardner’s art through the ages: A global history (16th ed.). Cengage Learning.