 Christ and the disciples are placed in a semicircle , reflecting the shape of the chapel 's apse . The tax collector , on the other hand , stands outside the holy space . While the group of holy men are dressed almost entirely in robes of pastel pink and blue , the official wears a shorter tunic of a striking vermilion . The colour adds to the impertinence expressed through his gestures . Another way contrast is achieved is in the way – both in the central scene and on the right – the tax collector 's postures are copying almost exactly those of Peter , only seen from the opposite angle . This gives a three @-@ dimensional quality to the figures , allowing the spectator to view them from all sides . 
