The works of Caravaggio - example art short essay

This sample art comparative essay examines how stop Bernini, Donatello, and Michelangelo interpret the biblical story of David versus Goliath. Each master sculptor depicted David but with different approaches to his age, demeanor, and physiology. This example college art paper also examines how the various depictions of David reveal the religious symbolism in the biblical story. It would be a good reference for a student who wants to see how art and religion intersect.

Caravaggio and Church Doctrine

In Caravaggio's Calling of St. Matthew, we see that Peter is beside Jesus, urging Matthew to come join them. Peter's addition is curious, especially since he is not present when Jesus calls Matthew away from his tax collector brethren. Notice how Jesus is behind Peter and in shadow. In fact, Peter's profile is what we notice after Jesus' hand (if one is not looking closely, it would seem that Jesus' hand is coming from Peter, not Christ himself). Thus, Caravaggio is implying that Peter represents the Church and it is through it we are able to experience Jesus. While acting through the Church, Jesus is able to call for new disciples to serve him. Thus, Jesus acts through Peter and Matthew follows.

Caravaggio's painting, Madonna and child with St. Anne makes a similar, if not more powerful doctrinal statement. Here, Mary helps the toddler Jesus step on the head of a snake while St. Anne looks at the creature with disgust. As in the Genesis story, the snake represents evil and the power of sin and Mary and Jesus work together to destroy it. Mary however, is symbolic of the church, just as Peter was in the Calling of St. Matthew. Notice how Jesus foot is on top of Mary's - again, Jesus is working through the Church in order to eradicate evil.

Caravaggio's doctrinal statement is especially important when comparing it to other works which show Jesus alone squashing a serpent.

In some trumeaus, Jesus is acting alone without any help to defeat evil. But with Madonna and child with St. Anne, Caravaggio reaffirms the Church's position to the community - it is a powerful and necessary partner with Jesus in the eradication of evil. This partnership allows the Church to act as a moral arbiter on Earth in Jesus' name.
 
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