San Luigi Dei Francesi

By Maros M r a z (Maros) - Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5074206

San Luigi Dei Francesi was commissioned by Pope Clement VII when he was still just a cardinal. The church was dedicated to Louis IX of France, the patron saint of France. The church itself is most notable for its richly decorated interior that includes many paintings, most notably by Domenichino and Caravaggio. Both artists's paintings document the life of a Saint, St. Cecilia for Domenichino, and St.Matthew for Caravaggio. 

The appeal of this site is obvious. The art of Caravaggio is some of the best in the Western tradition, and his Calling of St.Metthew one of the most famous in his own portfolio and that tradition. His art displayed master of chiaroscuro, the use of light and shadow for depth and dramatic effect. All three paintings exemplify this technique, while also showing a wonderful mastery of human form and realistic proportions. Anyone visiting Rome should take the chance to view these landmark art pieces.