Alright folks, been down an art rabbit hole this week. Realized I hadn’t seen all three of Caravaggio’s Saint Matthew paintings. You know the ones? The Calling, the Inspiration, and that graphic Martyrdom. Figured, hey, I need to see these for myself. Where are they actually right now? Google only gets you so far, wanted the real deal locations.
Starting the Search
Sat down at my cluttered desk this morning, fired up the laptop. Coffee steaming beside me. First thought: hit the big museum websites. Remembered the Calling of Saint Matthew was in Rome somewhere. Typed in “San Luigi dei Francesi church”. Bingo. Their dusty old website kinda confirmed it. Still there, tucked away in a chapel. First location pinned: Rome, Italy.
Hitting a Snag with Saint Matthew and the Angel
Okay, next one. The Inspiration of Saint Matthew. Knew it got wrecked during WWII, right? Bad stuff. But the version hanging today… that replika. Where’s it parked? Kept digging. Found conflicting stuff! Some said a church in Rome, others mentioned a big museum. Got kinda annoying. Scrolled through some recent travel forums. Finally cracked it: San Luigi dei Francesi actually has two Caravaggios? The Calling AND the Angel one? Weird setup. Checked the church’s own site again. Yep. Both crammed into that Contarelli Chapel place. Same damn church? Okay. Second location: Still Rome. Still San Luigi. My bad.
The Grisly One – The Martyrdom
Saved the bloodiest for last. The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew. Brain said Vatican maybe? Nope. Typed like a madman. Found older articles mentioning the Vatican… but seemed outdated. Finally landed on the official site for Santa Maria del Popolo, another Rome church. The Cerasi Chapel. Scrolled through their chapel listings. Boom. Listed right there alongside another Caravaggio! Third location confirmed: Rome, Italy. Santa Maria del Popolo church.
Putting It All Together
Sat back. Scratched my head. So, after chasing digital ghosts, here’s the practical rundown:
- The Calling of Saint Matthew: San Luigi dei Francesi (Contarelli Chapel). Rome.
- The Inspiration of Saint Matthew (Angel): Also San Luigi dei Francesi (Contarelli Chapel). Rome. Who knew?
- The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew: Santa Maria del Popolo (Cerasi Chapel). Also Rome.
So much walking around Rome you gotta do! Both churches are public, free entry (usually a small light fee or donation expected though). Gotta check opening times – churches nap in the afternoons.
Why Bother Tracking Them Down?
Look, seeing pics online sucks compared to standing right there. Caravaggio’s darkness, the drama – you need the real scale. The way the light hits (or doesn’t hit) in those dim chapels? That’s part of it. Photos flatten everything out. Plus, knowing exactly where they are saved me hours wandering Rome asking guards who mostly shrugged. Trust me. Been there, got the confused stare.
Now I know. Pack comfy shoes. And maybe budget for extra espresso.
