San Luigi dei Francesi   

It is the French National Church San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome. Dedicated to Saint Louis IX, the king of France who led two crusades to the Holy Land, the church is best known for three magnificent canvases by Caravaggio.

The Calling of Saint Matthew: By Caravaggio 1599 - 1602

Experts are not sure as to the meaning of this famous masterpiece (shown above). One can see the gathering of men at the table with St. Matthew in the center. Most notable is the two individuals standing to the right, outside the group, one of them is Christ, partially hidden by St. Peter, pointing his finger at St. Matthew.

St. Matthew and the Angel: By Caravaggio 1599 - 1602

This is the second version of this painting that constitutes a series, presenting part of the cycle of St. Matthew.

The first version was not acceptable by church officials, due to the questionable pose of the characters. 

The Martyrdom of Saint Mattews: By Caravaggio 1599 - 1602

The most crowed and dynamic scene among the three paintings that form the cycle of St. Mattew's life, focused on the executioner and on the injured saint.