Review: The Lost Painting Saint Matthew and the Angel by Caravaggio

The lost painting Saint Matthew and the Angel (1602) by Caravaggio is a fascinating and tragic chapter in the history of art. This work, which was destroyed during World War II, exists only through black-and-white photographs and colorized reproductions. The painting’s journey, from its creation to its eventual loss, sheds light on Caravaggio’s early style and his relationships with patrons, providing a glimpse into his artistic evolution.

The Context of the Commission

Saint Matthew and the Angel was originally commissioned for the Contarelli Chapel in the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, dedicated to Saint Matthew. Cardinal Del Monte, a key patron of Caravaggio, played a crucial role in securing the commission. He suggested Caravaggio as the artist to create three works illustrating the life of Saint Matthew for the chapel.

Initially, the altar was meant to feature two paintings by Caravaggio and a statue of Saint Matthew by the Flemish sculptor Jacob Cobaert. However, the statue was rejected, and Caravaggio was asked to paint a new work for the center of the altar.

The First Saint Matthew and the Angel (The Lost Work)

The first version of Saint Matthew and the Angel depicted Saint Matthew writing the Gospel under the guidance of an angel. Caravaggio chose to portray Saint Matthew as a humble, uneducated peasant, with dirty feet and a perplexed expression as he interacted with the angel.

The realism in this depiction was stark, even raw, and the absence of any idealization of the saint’s figure led to disapproval from the church officials who had commissioned the work. The portrayal was seen as disrespectful, clashing with the other two paintings by Caravaggio already in the chapel, which were more in line with the conventional religious art of the time.

Citations: “Caravaggio depicted the Saint as an uneducated peasant, wide-eyed in the presence of the angel.” (Source: Wikipedia)

The Second Saint Matthew and the Angel (The Replacement Work)

In response to the rejection of the first version, Caravaggio replaced the painting with a more dignified and idealized version, titled The Inspiration of Saint Matthew. This version, still on display in the Contarelli Chapel, shows Saint Matthew in a more noble light, with a calm and composed demeanor as he writes the Gospel. The angel’s role is more subtle; instead of physically guiding Matthew’s hand, the angel simply encourages him.

Citations: “The second piece stays faithful to the same subject but with some changes. Matthew now resembles the two other depictions of Matthew in the altar. The Saint appears more serious and in control in the presence of the angel.” (Source: Wikipedia)

The Loss of the Artwork and Its Importance

The first Saint Matthew and the Angel was tragically destroyed in 1945 during a fire in an air-raid shelter in Berlin, where it had been stored for safekeeping during the war. The loss of this work represents a significant blow to art history. Had it survived, it could have provided invaluable insights into Caravaggio’s early style and his relationships with his patrons, particularly Cardinal Del Monte.

The destruction of the painting has led to much speculation about its original appearance and its impact on Caravaggio’s career. It would have offered a unique perspective on how the artist was beginning to shape his distinctive style, which would later revolutionize Baroque painting.

Conclusion

The story of Saint Matthew and the Angel is one that encapsulates the tension between Caravaggio’s raw realism and the expectations of his patrons. Though the painting itself is lost, it remains an enduring mystery that continues to captivate art historians and enthusiasts alike. The audacity and talent Caravaggio displayed in this early work are evident, even from the surviving descriptions and photographs, and it stands as a testament to the artist’s bold approach to religious art.

@arielviera

Such drama in these paintings! #arthistory #arthistorytiktok #historybuff #romeitaly #historytiktok #caravaggio

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