CARAVAGGIO
(b. 1571, Caravaggio, d. 1610, Porto Ercole)

The Calling of Saint Matthew (detail)

1599-1600
Oil on canvas, width of detail: 92 cm
Contarelli Chapel, San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome

On the right, two youths are sitting opposite each other. The younger one, more strongly lit, is leaning back, putting his arm on St Matthew's shoulder for protection. The youth opposite, with his sword dangling against his upper tigh, spreads out his legs as he turns right.