"The Calling of Saint Matthew"

The Calling of Matthew is an episode in the life of Jesus which appears in all three synoptic gospels, Matthew 9:9–13, Mark 2:13–17 and Luke 5:27–28, and relates the initial encounter between Jesus and Matthew, the tax collector who became a disciple

The painting has gathered much acclaim for its remarkable realism as well as the emotions that are clearly portrayed in the figures in the work.

Jesus is seen beckoning to Matthew, who sits at the table of Roman tax collection, which was an occupation that garnered much shame among Jews at this time. Matthew is shown with a great deal of a shocked expression at the request of Jesus as tax collectors were often viewed as traitors to the Jewish faith.