Caravaggio's The Calling of Saint Matthew is an exemplary example of Italian Baroque art through its showcase of his mastery of chiaroscuro and realistic human figures. In this work, the dramatic contrast between light and dark draws the viewer's eye to the pivotal moment where Christ calls Matthew to follow him. The painting's composition, with its strong diagonal lines and lighting, creates a sense of urgency and movement. Caravaggio's focus on the mundane aspects of his subjects, with his depiction of them with an unidealized realism, adds a layer of relatability and emotional depth for its viewer. This deeply aligns with the Baroque goal of engaging a viewer's senses and spirituality. The work itself is set in a tavern and the naturalism of its figures' expressions and gestures helps to bridge the sacred and everyday, making the divine call of Christ feel more immediate and personal. 

In The Calling of Saint Matthew, Caravaggio captures a moment of divine intervention with a dramatic use of light that symbolically illuminates Matthew, which suggests his spiritual awakening. The positioning of Christ's hand, which echoes Michelangelo's Creation of Adam, adds a layer of complexity that connects this moment to other religious viewpoints. The painting's realism and attention to detail, the figure's clothing and surroundings, anchor the divine event in a mundane setting that makes the miraculous event feel immediate. This not only amplifies the emotional impact but also serves the Counter-Reformation's goal of making religious stories more relatable to the everyday man. 

Artemisia Gentileschi's Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes is another striking example of the Baroque's intensity and drama. The painting captures the aftermath of the beheading of Holofernes, with Judith and her maidservant in a moment of tense vigilance. Gentileschi's use of strong light and shadow enhances the dramatic tension, focusing on the nature of their act. The detailed rendering of the figures' expressions and movements conveys the raw emotion and psychological complexity of the scene. This painting not only portrays the Baroque style but also reflects Gentileschi's personal experiences. The powerful depiction of Judith, combined with the vivid portrayal of the gruesome trophy, serves as an example of Gentileschi's skill and her unique perspectives as a female artist in a male-dominated field. 

In her work, Gentileschi brings an unparalleled intensity to the aftermath of such violence, focusing on the silent tension and the emotional strain on Judith and her maidservant. The muscular tension and realistic portrayal of the figures, with Judith holding a dagger and her maidservant holding a basket containing the head, adds an intimate quality to the scene. Gentileschi's personal history of overcoming trauma, including a publicized rape trial, infuses the painting with an undertone of personal vindication and empowerment. The strong chiaroscuro enhances the drama, highlighting the central action and creating a stark contrast that amplifies the intensity of the moment. 

John Constable's The Hay Wain is a celebrated work of Romantic landscape paintings and highlights the beauty of the English countryside and the relationship between humans and nature. The painting depicts a rural scene with a hay wagon (wain) crossing a river, set against a backdrop of lush fields and a peaceful sky. Constable's detailed and naturalistic approach captures the idyllic charm and serene atmosphere of rural life. The painting reflects the Romantic appreciation for nature's beauty and the simplicity of life, contrasting with the rapid industrialization and urbanization of the time. 

Constable depicts the serene beauty of the English countryside and emphasizes the natural harmony and tranquility of rural life. The painting's composition with balanced arrangements of elements and the rendering of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and realism. Constable's attention to detail such as the reflections in the water to the textures of the trees and clouds enhances how immersive the painting is. The painting captures a moment of everyday life but it is still imbued with a timeless quality. Constable's work resonates with Romantic ideals of nature as a source of solace and inspiration. It celebrated the beauty and simplicity of the natural world.