The painting is found in the chapel dedicated to St. Matthew in the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi. The donor of the chapel was a French cardinal, Matthieu Cointerel, who died in 1585.

A year later, “The Calling of Saint Matthew” and “The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew,” depicting the beginning and the end of the apostle Matthew’s ministry, were installed.

(THE CONVERSATION) Pope Francis left a lasting legacy, not least his appreciation for art. In his 2025 biography, “Hope,” Francis spoke of his admiration for the Baroque painter Caravaggio. He ...

(THE CONVERSATION) Pope Francis left a lasting legacy, not least his appreciation for art. In his 2025 biography, “Hope,” Francis spoke of his admiration for the Baroque painter Caravaggio. He ...

(THE CONVERSATION) Pope Francis left a lasting legacy, not least his appreciation for art. In his 2025 biography, “Hope,” Francis spoke of his admiration for the Baroque painter Caravaggio. He ...

Why ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ by Caravaggio was Pope Francis’ favorite painting − an art historian explains. By Virginia Raguin, College of the Holy Cross May 6, 2025.

Why ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ by Caravaggio was Pope Francis’ favorite painting − an art historian explains. By Virginia Raguin, College of the Holy Cross May 6, 2025.

Why ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ by Caravaggio was Pope Francis’ favorite painting − an art historian explains. By Virginia Raguin, College of the Holy Cross May 6, 2025.

Why ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ by Caravaggio was Pope Francis’ favorite painting − an art historian explains. By Virginia Raguin, College of the Holy Cross May 6, 2025.

The ‘Calling of Saint Matthew,’ by Caravaggio. Caravaggio via Wikimedia Commons. Light from the window behind Christ, which aligns with the actual light from the window in the chapel, falls on ...