The Calling of St. Matthew

A detailed Summary of The Calling of St. Matthew


"The Calling of St. Matthew" is Bernado Strozzi's depiction of how St. Matthew became one of Jesus Christ's disciples. It is set in a small wooden room. A light shines from through a window into the painting. Eight men are depicted three counting coins, and five standing. A table with a green tablecloth centers the painting. Placed on top of it are a large sack of coins, an inkwell with a feather pen, and a book with Hebrew writing on its cover. The table is surrounded closely by four men with another four at a farther distance. From the perspective given, Matthew sits in the center. He is dressed with a blanket draped over his shoulders, and under that are another two layers of clothing. He sits in a green chair, has a graying beard, and four coins are set in front of him.

To Matthew's right stands a very well dressed man in red. He appears to be the youngest of the men, has no facial hair, and is leaning over the table reaching for some coins. Behind him stand two others. One is wearing a white hat, and has some facial hair. He is the only person in the painting besides Matthew who notices Christ. The other just stands and stares at the table.

To Matthew's left stands an older man. He is balding


In relation to Matthew 8.9 I would like to learn more about the reaction the people had when they saw Jesus. Did they all respond like Matthew? More importantly, did the other disciples decide to follow Christ as quickly as Matthew did?

and is wearing a white shirt covered by a gray vest. He is shown holding a coin close to his face, staring at it intensely. In his other hand is an opened bag to fill with coins. There are two more men to the left of Matthew who are very faint and barely noticeable, and are possibly accompanying Jesus.

The most remarkable aspect of this painting is its use of lighting. The light shown upon Matthew makes him the most important figure in the painting. Those who surround him, even Christ, are not illuminated like Matthew. I believe the light signifies Matthew's transformation into a religious preacher, which is what the artist wanted to convey the most.

This work of art teaches a lot about the Bible. The most obvious is the power Jesus possessed over the people. His mere presence completely astonished Matthew. Christ's reputation was spreading, people heard of the miracles he performed, and the intelligence in his teachings. However, the reactions of the others showed not everyone knew of Jes

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Approximate Word count = 844
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion

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