The vocation of Saint Matthew (1599-1600) Caravaggio's technique emphasized realism through which he remained faithful to true details and never went beyond what we normally see. He created a type of realism that drew the viewer's attention to the symbolic meaning of the detailed content of the composition. His characters now become artistic objects used to create a contrast between light and darkness. His scenes are most often made up of a serious set of elaborate actions, thus reproducing scenes of realism. However, it is impossible to consider Caravaggio as a mere realist and ignore his true innovation “…enhancement of dramatic effect through the use of always simulated and often very artificial lighting, showing his absolute sense of clarity- obscure." The subject matter of Caravaggio's work remains entirely conventional in its preference for religious themes and therefore its effects on "...theatrical realism might well be described as baroque". Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Composition of Saint Matthew's CallThis masterpiece depicts the moment Jesus Christ inspired Matthew to follow Him to become an apostle. This painting was commissioned by Cardinal Matthew Contarelli, who provided specific resources and guidelines for decorating a chapel based on scenes from the life of Saint Matthew. [2] The Call of Saint Matthew shows the passage from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9:9), when Jesus entered the customs house, saw Matthew at his seat and called to him, “Follow me.” According to the Holy Scriptures, Matthew got up and followed him. The vocation of Saint Matthew can be divided into two parts. The figures on the right form a vertical rectangle while those on the left create the horizontal piece. In this painting, Jesus is located standing on the right side of this painting and is almost completely covered by the apostle Peter, however, he is distinguished by his outstretched hand. Christ points to Levi, a tax collector, and is depicted as the highly visible bearded man wearing a dark-colored beret. Levi is well placed on the left side of this painting, however, the viewer's attention is drawn to him by the hands of Jesus and Paul pointing together towards him but also by the intensity of the light shining on his face. The other figures that appear in this painting are similar, if not modeled by these individuals in other works of Caravaggio, such as Cardsharps painted earlier. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay The artist's use of light and shadow adds drama to this image with all the figures engulfed in shadow with only the radiant light shining through the wall and highlighting the fact of Matthew and the group seated. Caravaggio brought this canvas to life using bright colors, bold contrasts of yellow, red, gold and green, including various complex fabric textures..