Saint Matthew and the Angel 1602

"Saint Matthew and the Angel," a 1602 painting by Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio, depicts the biblical moment when an angel inspires Saint Matthew to write his gospel. The work is characterized by Caravaggio's signature use of tenebrism, creating a dramatic contrast between light and shadow. This technique emphasizes the figures and their intense emotions. While the painting was destroyed, we can infer that the angel's appearance, with his powerful, outstretched wings, was meant to convey a sense of divine intervention. The painting was highly influential in the development of Baroque art, particularly in its use of realism and dramatic lighting.