Can you compare “The Calling of St Matthew” by Michelangelo Caravaggio with “The Milkmaid” by Johannes Vermeer (e.g., subject matter, philosophies in life, aesthetic choices, etc)?

Answer 1

"The Calling of St. Matthew" by Caravaggio and "The Milkmaid" by Vermeer are both realistic portraits. The date of the St. Matthew work is 1599-1600 and Vermeer's milkmaid is 1658. Caravaggio's painting contains multi-figures and Vermeer's work has one subject. Caravaggio's subject matter in his paintings often has a religious theme and this particular one depicts a moment of spiritual awakening. Vermeer's kitchen maid is shown doing some daily chores (pouring milk from a pitcher) and is a calming atmosphere. "The Calling of St. Matthew is a dramatic theme, rather than a peaceful one. The light in both pieces comes from the right side. Caravaggio's light is central to the group. His work always has that unique interior glow. "The Milkmaid" has lighting that is more subtle, while still creating volume and illusion. Caravaggio's work has more contrast within his composition.