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The Calling Of St. Matthew By Caravaggio

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The painting, “The Calling of St. Matthew” by artist Caravaggio is an oil on canvas, which is 10’ 7 ½” x 11’ 2” with a fake frame that has been painted. It shows five figures sitting in a dimly light room at a table and two standing figures to the right, one of which has a halo. There is a left horizontal axis with diagonal lighting. The contour is soft with a variable line of people sitting at a table in overlapping positions. The two standing figures to the right are Jesus and Peter, of which, Jesus is the one with the halo. The hand of Jesus is extended outwards underneath the cross of the window. Caravaggio used a palette of color consisting of a bold contrast of reds, golds, and greens along with various textures of velvets and soft furs. The location of this painting is at the Contarelli Chapel, Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome, created in 1599-1600. …show more content…

The dramatic movement, balance and alignment, harmony and orientation of horizontal perspective are some of the principles of design. A contrast of light and dark, with the figures displayed in a dark brown atmosphere gives a feeling of warmth. The light and shadow effect is directed to intensify the figures, a technique called tenebrism. The component of triangular light gives a naturalistic perspective. Using gestures and postures is a portrayal of dramatic movement and the effect of oil on canvas gives a lustrous and captivates the vivid

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