Description
Saint Matthew and the Angel , painted in 1602 for the altar of the Contarelli Chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, depicts the Evangelist writing his Gospel under divine inspiration. Matthew bends over a large book, with one knee resting on a bench that seems to project into the viewer's space.
An angel descends from above, surrounded by flowing white drapery, gesturing with his hands as the saint interrupts his writing to receive his guidance. Caravaggio establishes an intense relationship between the two figures through their glances and gestures. Dramatic illumination focuses attention on Matthew and the angel while the dark background removes virtually every secondary element. The painting's place above the altar determines how it meets the visitor's gaze.
