work of the iconography of mercy is the altarpiece of Caravaggio (1606/07) in Naples, which was commissioned by the Confraternità del Pio Monte della Misericordia for their church. This charity brotherhood was founded in 1601 in Naples. The artist painted the Seven Works of Mercy'' in one single composition. Regarding the sharp contrasts of the painting's chiaroscuro, the art historian Ralf van Bühren explains the bright light as a metaphor for mercy, which "helps the audience to explore mercy in their own lives". In Methodism In Methodist teaching, doing merciful acts is a prudential means of grace. Along with works of piety, they are necessary for the believer to move on to Christian perfection. In this sense, the Methodist concern for people at the margins is closely related to its worship. As such, these beliefs have helped create the emphasis of the social gospel in the Methodist Church. Works of Mercy Doing Good Visiting the Sick and Prisoners Feeding and Clothing People Earning, Saving, Giving All One Can Opposition to Slavery See also Further reading References External links "The Means of Grace" by John Wesley Seven Corporal Works of Mercy in English painted churches (online catalog of medieval depictions, Anne Marschall, The Open University) Methodism Christian ethics Catholic theology and doctrine Christian terminology