The Calling of Matthew by Flemish painter Jan Sanders van Hemessen, created in 1536 and now housed in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, stands as a remarkable example of the interplay between money and spirituality in Renaissance art. This painting centers on the theme of money, initially depicting a secular exchange office, before transforming into a moment of spiritual redemption and divine calling.
Money and the Secular World of the Exchange Office
Van Hemessen’s painting originally portrayed a secular scene set within the interior of a bustling exchange office. This setting, filled with precious objects, coins, and accounting ledgers, reflects the world of commerce and finance, where money holds great power. The artist’s attention to material wealth and the documents related to commercial transactions captures a time when money was becoming an increasingly central force in European society.
On the table, coins and valuable items are prominently displayed, while shelves in the background are filled with books and records, symbolizing financial control and management. In this context, money is not just a practical element, but a symbol of attachment to the material world and earthly wealth. This stands in stark contrast to the spiritual message that will emerge in the later transformation of the scene.
The Transformation of the Scene: The Calling of Matthew
At some point, the painting was altered to turn this secular depiction into a key spiritual moment: the calling of Matthew. Christ’s figure was added on the right, with His famous words, “Sequere me” (“Follow me”), giving the scene a completely new meaning. Money, which was once the central focus, now becomes a symbol of the world that Matthew, a tax collector, is called to leave behind in order to follow a life of faith and devotion.
Matthew, seated at the table surrounded by money and material goods, represents the common person, consumed by economic and worldly concerns. However, Christ’s call offers him the opportunity to transcend this material world and embrace a life of spiritual devotion. The stark contrast between earthly wealth and the spiritual call to follow Christ is central to the painting, emphasizing the transformative power of faith.
The Role of Money in the Painting
Although money still occupies a prominent place in the foreground of the painting, its role shifts. It is no longer just a symbol of material wealth, but becomes a key element in understanding Matthew’s spiritual transition. The money, which once dominated Matthew’s life, is now set aside as a symbol of corruption and attachment to the material world. Christ’s calling, in contrast, invites Matthew to seek a different kind of wealth—spiritual wealth.
Van Hemessen uses money to create a powerful dualism: on one hand, it represents worldly life and material temptations, but on the other, it becomes the catalyst for Matthew’s recognition of the need for a radical change. Money, though still present, loses its grip on Matthew, who responds to the divine call and steps toward spiritual redemption.
Money as a Tool of Redemption and Transformation
Jan Sanders van Hemessen’s The Calling of Matthew is more than just a depiction of a gospel scene; it offers a profound analysis of the power of money and its influence on human life. Initially, money dominates the scene, but it is ultimately surpassed by the power of faith and Christ’s spiritual calling. Through this painting, van Hemessen explores the theme of redemption, showing how even those deeply immersed in the material world can be saved through faith.
Though money is an integral part of daily life, it is ultimately placed in the background, overshadowed by the higher moral and spiritual choices that Christ offers. This message makes the work especially relevant within the religious and social context of the Renaissance, offering a timeless reflection on the balance between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment.