The Calling of Saint Matthew
The artist
Caravaggio, a bold Italian painter who became famous for dramatic light shining out of deep darkness.
What you see
A group of men sit at a table counting coins when a beam of light and a pointing hand call one of them to a new life.
The story
Caravaggio painted this story from the Bible around 1600 for a church in the city of Rome.
The style
He used a strong beam of light in a dark room to make the moment feel sudden and full of feeling.
Look closer
Follow the pointing hand and the ray of light to find the surprised man who is being chosen.
Where to see it
You can visit this painting in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, still in its own chapel.
Fun fact
The men wear the fancy clothes of Caravaggio's own time, not ancient robes, which felt new and exciting.