St. Matthew and the Angel

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "St. Matthew and the Angel", originally brought to life by the talented Caravaggio. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to Caravaggio and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

"St. Matthew and the Angel" is a notable work by the Italian Baroque master Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, painted in 1602 for the Contarelli Chapel in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome. This painting is one of three that Caravaggio was commissioned to create for the chapel, each depicting a scene from the life of Saint Matthew. "St. Matthew and the Angel" specifically was intended to illustrate the moment when the angel appears to Saint Matthew to inspire the writing of his Gospel. However, the painting sparked controversy upon its unveiling due to its depiction of the saint in a manner that was considered too human and lacking the dignity expected of a biblical figure. Critics objected to the portrayal of Matthew with bare feet and in a common pose, which was seen as unbecoming for an apostle. Additionally, the intimate interaction between Matthew and the angel, with the angel guiding Matthew's hand, was deemed overly familiar.

The controversy led to the rejection of the painting by the clerics of San Luigi dei Francesi, and Caravaggio was subsequently commissioned to create a replacement, "The Inspiration of Saint Matthew," which still hangs in the chapel today. The original "St. Matthew and the Angel" was acquired by Marchese Vincenzo Giustiniani, a prominent art collector of the time, and was displayed in his collection until it was tragically destroyed during World War II, specifically in a fire following an Allied bombing in Berlin in 1945. Despite its loss, the painting remains significant in the study of Caravaggio's work for its bold naturalism, innovative use of chiaroscuro, and the emotional depth it brought to religious subjects. It exemplifies Caravaggio's revolutionary approach to religious art, emphasizing human vulnerability and divine interaction in a manner that was groundbreaking for its time. The painting is known to us through black and white photographs and copies made by other artists, which continue to inspire admiration and debate among art historians and enthusiasts for the daring with which Caravaggio approached his subjects.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.