The Tribute Money and the Calling of St. Matthew, Essay Example

Massacio’s “The Tribute Money” is a good example of the Early Renaissance art style because of its interest in capturing the scene as realistically as possible.  This is seen, for example, in the depiction of the human form.  Massacio clothes his figures, but uses drapery techniques to give the viewer an idea of the bodies beneath the clothing.  Lighting is used to a similarly realistic effect, with no dramatic techniques used by the artist to halo Jesus in any sort of special light.  Attention is drawn to him through the placement of the figures on the canvas since he is located in the center of the crowd.  As in many works of Early Renaissance art, great attention is paid to ensuring that the architecture and figures  are proportional to the scene.

Caravaggio’s “The Calling of St. Matthew” also employs a religious theme, but takes a much more dramatic approach to the subject matter.  This is a key feature of the Baroque period, which used exaggerated lighting and motion to give art a sense of grandness and drama.  Caravaggio uses light and darkness to call attention to the subject (St. Matthew’s religious calling) of the painting.  A spotlight appears to shine upon Matthew, giving him special importance in the painting.  Additionally, the human forms in the painting are less restrained than in Massacio’s painting, with some of them twisting and bending in the direction of the light.  The melodramatic use of motion and light was intended to cause an emotional reaction in the viewer and reassert the importance of the Church and God by demonstrating that events of religious significance can occur in mundane circumstances.