Saint Matthew and the angel
A hand-painted replica of Caravaggio’s masterpiece Saint Matthew and the angel, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
"Saint Matthew and the Angel" is a renowned painting by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio, originally created around 1602. This artwork was part of a commission for the Contarelli Chapel in the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, where Caravaggio was tasked with creating a series of paintings depicting scenes from the life of Saint Matthew. The series includes "The Calling of Saint Matthew," "The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew," and "Saint Matthew and the Angel."
The painting "Saint Matthew and the Angel" was intended to serve as the altarpiece for the chapel. It depicts Saint Matthew, the author of the Gospel of Matthew, being inspired by an angel as he writes his gospel. The composition is noted for its dramatic use of light and shadow, a hallmark of Caravaggio's style known as chiaroscuro. This technique enhances the emotional intensity of the scene, drawing the viewer's attention to the interaction between the saint and the angel.
Caravaggio's first version of "Saint Matthew and the Angel" was rejected by the commissioning clergy. The reasons for the rejection are not definitively documented, but it is widely believed that the clergy found the portrayal of Saint Matthew too crude and unrefined. In the initial version, the saint was depicted with bare feet and a somewhat bewildered expression, which may have been considered inappropriate for a sacred subject. Consequently, Caravaggio created a second version of the painting, which was accepted and installed in the chapel.
The accepted version of "Saint Matthew and the Angel" presents a more dignified and composed image of the saint. In this version, Saint Matthew is depicted seated at a desk, with the angel standing beside him, guiding his hand as he writes. The interaction between the two figures is intimate and serene, emphasizing the divine inspiration behind the saint's writing. The angel, with a gentle and ethereal presence, appears to be whispering into Saint Matthew's ear, symbolizing the transmission of divine knowledge.
Unfortunately, the original version of "Saint Matthew and the Angel" was destroyed during World War II when it was housed in the Kaiser Friedrich Museum in Berlin. The second version, however, remains in its original location in the Contarelli Chapel, where it continues to be admired by visitors from around the world.
Caravaggio's work on the Contarelli Chapel is considered a pivotal moment in the history of art, marking a shift towards a more naturalistic and emotionally engaging style. His innovative use of light and shadow, combined with his ability to convey human emotion, had a profound influence on the development of Baroque art and inspired countless artists in the years that followed. "Saint Matthew and the Angel" stands as a testament to Caravaggio's mastery of his craft and his ability to bring biblical narratives to life with unparalleled realism and intensity.
