Reading
A call across a room
Matthew 9 describes Jesus seeing Matthew at the customs post and calling him to follow. In Caravaggio’s Roman painting the sweep of light and the hand reaching across the room direct attention to the men around the table. Describe that encounter before deciding which seated figure the gesture singles out.
A companion with wings
In the Cleveland miniature, identify the wings and human form beside Matthew. This is his conventional evangelist symbol. Comparing a calling scene with a writer’s portrait helps separate Matthew the tax collector in the narrative from Matthew as the traditional author of the first Gospel.
Key takeaway
A gesture of summons and a winged companion belong to two different image types.
Visual study
A beam of light crosses the room above the table. Follow the hand extended towards the seated men.
Caravaggio · Contarelli Chapel, San Luigi dei Francesi, RomeThe seated Matthew and his winged human companion occupy the miniature inside its decorated border.
Master of the Housebook · Cleveland Museum of ArtOther depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Matthew
Study notesLook beside the writing desk. Matthew’s companion is a winged human figure, which helps distinguish him from the other evangelists.
Key attributes
Book
Saint Matthew
Study notesLook beside the writing desk. Matthew’s companion is a winged human figure, which helps distinguish him from the other evangelists.
Key attributes
Book
Saint Matthew
Study notesLook beside the writing desk. Matthew’s companion is a winged human figure, which helps distinguish him from the other evangelists.
Key attributes
Book
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Matthew
A tax collector among the Twelve and the traditional author of the first Gospel.
Memory hook: A winged human companion
Visual examples
Saint Matthew
Study notesA tax collector among the Twelve and the traditional author of the first Gospel.
Key attributes
Book
Saint Matthew
Study notesA tax collector among the Twelve and the traditional author of the first Gospel.
Key attributes
Book
Practice
Answer notebook
0 / 1 answeredMore practice
Who is this apostle?
Scan attributes first — then choose a name.
Quick check
Attribute checklist
Tap each attribute once you can picture it in art for this lesson.