Caravaggio’s first public commission for paintings

On July 23, 1599, one of the most renowned artists of the Italian Baroque period, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, unveiled his first public commission for paintings. This event marked a significant milestone in Caravaggio’s artistic career and laid the foundation for his revolutionary style that would go on to influence generations of artists.

Caravaggio was a prodigious talent who challenged the norms and conventions of his time. Born in Milan in 1571, he moved to Rome in his early twenties in pursuit of artistic excellence. In the Eternal City, Caravaggio found himself amidst a thriving art scene, competing with accomplished painters for recognition and patronage.

The public commission that Caravaggio received in 1599 came from the influential Cardinal Francesco Maria Del Monte. Del Monte was an avid art collector and a staunch supporter of Caravaggio’s work. He commissioned Caravaggio to paint three monumental canvases for his private art collection, thus allowing the young artist to unveil his talents to a wider audience.

The first painting in this commission was “The Calling of St. Matthew,” a powerful portrayal of the biblical scene where Jesus calls upon Matthew, a tax collector, to become one of his disciples. This painting stands out not only for its religious subject matter but also for Caravaggio’s innovative artistic techniques and use of chiaroscuro.

Chiaroscuro, or the dramatic contrast between light and dark, is one of the defining characteristics of Caravaggio’s art. In “The Calling of St. Matthew,” he skillfully employs this technique to create a sense of depth and bring focus to the main characters, resulting in a captivating and emotionally charged composition.

The second painting in the commission, “The Martyrdom of St. Matthew,” showcases Caravaggio’s ability to depict intense moments of violence and raw emotion. This gruesome scene depicts the martyrdom of St. Matthew, who is seen lying on the ground while his executioners surround him. Caravaggio’s use of vivid colors and dramatic lighting adds a sense of realism to the painting, making the viewer feel as though they are witnessing the event firsthand.

Finally, the third painting in the commission, “The Inspiration of St. Matthew,” portrays the moment when the divine inspiration descends upon the saint as he writes the Gospel. Caravaggio’s attention to detail and his skillful rendering of fabric and textures make this painting a true masterpiece. The figures in the composition seem to come alive, thanks to Caravaggio’s unrivaled ability to capture emotions and human expressions.

Caravaggio’s decision to depict religious scenes in such a realistic and unconventional manner set him apart from his contemporaries and drew both admiration and controversy. His paintings were often criticized for their use of ordinary people as models, rather than idealized figures. Nevertheless, Caravaggio’s approach gave his work an unprecedented sense of authenticity, making the viewer connect with the characters and stories on a deeper level.

The unveiling of Caravaggio’s first public commission for paintings on July 23, 1599, marked the beginning of a new era for the artist and forever changed the course of art history. His innovative techniques, such as chiaroscuro and realistic depictions, challenged the prevailing artistic conventions and paved the way for future generations of artists to experiment and push boundaries.

Today, Caravaggio’s legacy as one of the greatest painters of all time endures. His works continue to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts and scholars around the world. The event of Caravaggio’s first public commission for paintings serves as a reminder of his revolutionary artistic journey and the significant impact he made on the art world.