7 March - 6 July 2025
The National Gallery of Ancient Art at Palazzo Barberini hosts the exhibition “Caravaggio 2025”. An itinerary through invaluable masterpieces that narrate the evolution of the great Lombard painter, offering an artistic experience that merges critical analysis, historical context, and stylistic innovation. A must-see event for those who wish to explore the legacy of an eternal master.
The event is set to be one of the most significant cultural moments of the year, attracting scholars, art enthusiasts, and curious visitors from all backgrounds. Caravaggio, renowned for his intensely realistic painting and dramatic use of light, will be the focus of an exhibition designed to highlight both his most famous works and rarely displayed pieces from major museum and private collections.
With over sixty paintings selected to showcase his contribution to the emerging Baroque movement and its subsequent impact on art history, the exhibition aims to establish a vivid dialogue between past and present. The exhibition route does not simply follow a chronological order but explores key themes and the stylistic revolution that marked the transition from idealized art to a direct, intense, and emotional representation of reality.
From March 7 to July 6, 2025, the National Gallery of Ancient Art at Palazzo Barberini will host an unprecedented exhibition entirely dedicated to the multiple facets of Caravaggio’s art. The initiative brings together over sixty works covering his entire career, offering a comprehensive look at an artist who revolutionized the course of painting. The exhibition route unfolds through thematic rooms, each highlighting a specific moment in the artist’s career or a fundamental theme of his poetics.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to admire works rarely loaned from private collections. The goal is to provide a complete and multifaceted picture of Caravaggio, illustrating both his creative trajectory and the historical and cultural context in which he worked. To facilitate public engagement, the exhibition is accompanied by a rich educational apparatus and explanatory panels curated by internationally renowned scholars, with in-depth discussions on stylistic, technical, and iconographic aspects.
The exhibition is conceived as a journey through the major milestones of the artist’s life, each introduced by a historical focus contextualizing his work. It is divided into sections that correspond to the key turning points of his biography: Milan and the influence of the late Renaissance, his early years in Rome, major commissions for public and private patrons, his exile, and his final works leading up to his death.
Within each section, the works are presented thematically, highlighting the recurring elements of his art: his focus on the human condition, the dramatic role of light, and the sacred dimension depicted as a tangible, earthly experience. This structure allows visitors to understand how the painter interpreted and transformed traditional painting genres—from religious art to still life and portraiture—into an autonomous and groundbreaking language. Thanks to this approach, visitors can trace the evolution of Caravaggio’s style, appreciating his constant experimentation and unprecedented audacity.
The rooms dedicated to his Roman period emphasize his first major public commissions, where Caravaggio had to adapt to monumental spaces and the need to create powerful and comprehensible images for a broad audience. Here, preparatory sketches and final versions of masterpieces displayed in Rome’s churches are showcased, contextualized through archival documents and period testimonies.
Another section is entirely dedicated to secular themes: genre scenes, portraits, and vanitas, which Caravaggio interpreted with a deeply human and, in some cases, even ironic vision. In these paintings, the artist steps away from the sacred context and stages the ordinary life of his time: young musicians, card sharks deceiving the naive, still lifes with flowers and ripe fruits alluding to the relentless passage of time. This section offers a chance to explore the experimental approach through which Caravaggio redefined every subject, from the highest forms of religious painting to everyday motifs.
Among the paintings on display, a focal point is The Conversion of Saint Paul, a masterpiece emblematic of how Caravaggio conceived biblical narratives: sacred events bursting into the human dimension like lightning, overturning certainties and beliefs. The exhibition also presents works from his mature period, such as The Flagellation of Christ and David with the Head of Goliath, which reflect a time when the fugitive painter reached unprecedented expressive intensity, depicting the drama of the human condition in all its rawness. Other masterpieces from international institutions such as: Judith and Holofernes, St. John the Baptist, St. Francis in ecstasy, etc…
Particular attention is given to technical aspects: how he prepared his canvases, his preferred pigments, and his mastery of chiaroscuro. To this end, the exhibition includes X-ray images and scientific analyses that reveal the execution process of some paintings, showing his adjustments and in-progress corrections.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with the most authentic and profound core of Caravaggio’s painting. The exhibition integrates multimedia content and educational materials that help visitors grasp the essential milestones of the artist’s life and work. The meticulously curated setup invites visitors to engage directly with the artworks, without distractions, emphasizing the visual power and emotional intensity of the paintings.
In an era often dominated by digital images and rapid content consumption, standing before a Caravaggio painting becomes a powerful sensory and emotional experience. The brilliance and depth of colors, the texture of the brushstrokes, the dramatic nature of the scenes—all contribute to creating an intimate connection between the painting and the viewer.
The exhibition is not only an aesthetic experience but also a scientific endeavor. Recent studies have shed new light on various aspects of Caravaggio’s painting, revealing unexpected details regarding his execution techniques and materials. The event is the result of meticulous research involving art historians, restorers, and imaging specialists, whose contributions are presented throughout the exhibition.
Thus, the exhibition builds a bridge between history and the present, highlighting how Caravaggio’s legacy continues to exert a tangible influence on contemporary art. The use of shadow as a poetic element, the tension between the sacred and the profane, and the almost photographic depiction of everyday life are all elements that still inspire artists and filmmakers today, proving the modernity of a painter who lived four centuries ago.
Despite the refined setup and the scholarly depth of its critical apparatus, the exhibition aims to be accessible to a broad audience. Each section offers different levels of interpretation: from art lovers who want to understand the fundamentals of Caravaggio’s technique to scholars interested in more specialized details. Visitors can follow a linear path or focus on specific aspects, thanks to a clear and intuitive internal signage system.
In this way, “Caravaggio 2025” has a dual identity: on one hand, it is an educational exhibition designed to make the great art of the Lombard painter accessible to all; on the other, it is a true research event, offering new tools and insights for those who wish to delve deeper into the painter’s personality and work.
This initiative brings back into focus an artist who never ceases to amaze. What attracts the audience is not only the international fame of Caravaggio but also the particular structure of the exhibition, designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth view of his pictorial universe. Anyone who steps into the exhibition halls will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an extraordinary setting, where each painting speaks with its own voice, and where the interplay of light and shadow creates a captivating journey through the centuries.
The juxtaposition of rarely seen paintings in a single location allows visitors to grasp connections and references that would otherwise remain fragmented. In the same space, early works and mature paintings come together, creating a dialogue between the various phases of Caravaggio’s career. The result is a grand visual symphony, where each note contributes to shaping the portrait of a complex and fascinating artist.
Within “Caravaggio 2025”, visitors can choose from different levels of interaction. For those seeking a more contemplative experience, the exhibition features multimedia stations where they can explore period documents, analytical diagrams, and video interviews with art historians and restorers. Those who prefer a more intuitive and free-flowing visit can rely on the expressive power of the paintings, allowing themselves to be guided by the emotions evoked by the dramatic contrasts of light and the sometimes raw realism of the scenes.
For younger audiences and school groups, dedicated educational itineraries have been designed to present Caravaggio in an engaging way, contextualizing his work within the culture of the seventeenth century. Practical workshops allow children to experiment with live painting, attempting to capture the magic of chiaroscuro. In this way, the exhibition aims to educate visitors in close observation and critical image reading, promoting artistic learning from an early age.
Hosting an exhibition of this magnitude also highlights the ongoing role of Italian institutions in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. The event reinforces Rome’s centrality as a place where the past is in constant dialogue with the present. Moreover, it underlines the importance of international collaborations, essential for making artworks accessible to the public that rarely leave their original collections.
Thus, the exhibition serves as both a tribute to Caravaggio’s genius and a celebration of Italy’s rich artistic tradition. The enthusiasm surrounding the event confirms that Caravaggio’s work remains an essential reference point, attracting scholars and art lovers alike.
Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio, was born in Milan in 1571 and spent his childhood in the town of Caravaggio, from which he derived the name that would accompany him throughout his life. He was trained in an artistic context where the late Renaissance was giving way to new experiences, influenced on one hand by Mannerist traditions and on the other by emerging currents that would lead to the Baroque movement. His life was marked by turbulence, frequent relocations, and numerous conflicts with authorities—but above all, by a revolutionary ability to interpret reality through painting.
Between the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, Italian culture was undergoing a period of great transformation. In this climate of creative fervor and ideological tensions, Caravaggio became one of the leading figures, profoundly influencing the development of painting in Italy and across Europe.
Through his paintings, light and shadow took on a dramatic significance, becoming narrative tools capable of rendering scenes almost theatrical. This combination of extreme realism, emotional immediacy, and bold handling of color contrasts was so impactful that it ushered in a new era, where art became a vehicle for intense emotions and profound reflection.
Born into a modest family, Caravaggio likely began his training in the workshop of the painter Simone Peterzano, a pupil of Titian. This experience exposed the young artist to Venetian pictorial traditions, allowing him to absorb their vibrant colors and atmospheric depth.
The proximity to Milan, a crucial hub of artistic and cultural exchange at the time, enabled him to study the works of great masters. Although still influenced by the naturalistic tendencies of Lombard painting, his independent character began to emerge early on, pushing him to seek new formal and thematic solutions that better reflected his vision of reality.
Young Merisi quickly developed an interest in the use of light as a means to emphasize figures and immerse them in a suspended atmosphere. It is precisely the combination of these elements—the strong sense of realism, dramatic tension, and popular devotion—that laid the foundation for what would become his unmistakable artistic language.
Despite his reputation as an outsider, Caravaggio was part of a cultural landscape still deeply rooted in Renaissance ideas. The influence of masters such as Leonardo and Michelangelo was indispensable to him. From Leonardo, he seemed to inherit a meticulous attention to natural detail; from Michelangelo, the power of poses and the dynamism of figures.
However, Caravaggio reinterpreted these influences in a highly personal way, projecting them into a narrative devoid of allegorical embellishments or abstract symbolism. His focus became the human condition, often depicted with raw realism that sparked controversy among traditional academic circles.
The transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque is evident in his paintings from an early age, where a progressive departure from balanced compositions in favor of more dynamic and contrast-driven structures can be observed. His style remains a unique synthesis of fidelity to reality and emotional intensity, spirituality, and realism—making Caravaggio a singular figure in the history of Western art.
Around 1592, seeking new opportunities, the artist moved to Rome, then the epicenter of sacred art and the heart of ecclesiastical patronage. In the Eternal City, Caravaggio encountered a circle of patrons and commissioners eager to embrace new artistic expressions aligned with the needs of the Counter-Reformation. Among them were Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte and the Giustiniani family. Under their patronage, Caravaggio was able to embark on his most ambitious projects.
During his early Roman period, the artist produced some of the most groundbreaking works in Western painting. The Calling of Saint Matthew, located in the Contarelli Chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi, remains one of the most iconic examples of his style: the scene is immersed in darkness, from which a beam of light emerges, highlighting the divine presence.
The humanity of the characters, captured in everyday gestures, contrasts with the ineffable mystery of the sacred event, creating a strong emotional impact. At the same time, masterpieces such as The Cardsharps and The Fortune Teller reveal Caravaggio’s interest in depicting genre scenes, populated by humble figures yet imbued with dignity and authenticity.
Despite the quality of his works, Caravaggio’s impetuous character and artistic vision often put him at odds with traditional artistic standards. Some of his paintings, for instance, were rejected due to their perceived excessive realism, particularly when depicting sacred subjects.
One of the most famous cases of rejection was The Death of the Virgin, which was considered scandalous because the Madonna was portrayed with an excessively realistic body, far from the idealized academic representations. Paradoxically, such controversies fueled the artist’s fame, drawing the interest of collectors and admirers eager to acquire paintings so bold and original.
Even during his Roman years, Caravaggio demonstrated his determination to eliminate all traces of idealization. His figures were depicted with flaws, wrinkles, and tangible signs of a life lived—sharply contrasting with the conventional practice of portraying sacred and noble subjects in perfect forms. This radical realism became the center of criticism but also the foundation of his growing success, solidifying his status as a kind of “cursed painter,” capable of expressing the turmoil and tensions of an entire era.
Caravaggio’s personal events became inextricably linked to his artistic production. After being involved in a brawl that culminated in the murder of Ranuccio Tomassoni, a man of ill repute, the artist was forced to flee Rome in 1606. From that moment, his life became a journey that led him to Naples, Malta, and Sicily. Despite the hardships, he continued to produce paintings of extraordinary impact, such as The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in Malta and The Burial of Saint Lucy in Syracuse, marking a further stylistic evolution characterized by an increasingly dramatic contrast of light and shadow.
During his years in exile, Caravaggio’s art reached new heights of expressive intensity. His light became even sharper, isolating figures in dark settings and eliciting a sense of emotional involvement from the viewer. His restless character remained unchanged until the end: a possible papal amnesty seemed to open the way for his return to Rome, but the artist mysteriously died in 1610, under circumstances that remain unclear, on a beach in Porto Ercole.
While Caravaggio’s life was marked by escape and conflict, his art knew no boundaries. The Caravaggesque revolution spread throughout Italy and Europe, inspiring generations of artists, from Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi to Georges de La Tour, and even influencing masters such as Velázquez and Rembrandt. His emphasis on the realistic aspects of representation and the vibrant emotional tension in his scenes remained fundamental references for his successors.
One of the elements that made him so famous is his ability to integrate light as a narrative tool. This was not merely scenic lighting; the beam of light entering his paintings had an almost theological significance, selecting the protagonists, revealing their emotions, and guiding the viewer’s gaze to the emotional core of the composition.
Caravaggio’s realism—both in portraying sacred figures with popular features and in depicting humble or marginal subjects—marked a break with tradition. Until that moment, sacred painting tended to idealize bodies and spiritualize gestures, while Caravaggio sought to highlight the human and tangible dimension of his subjects.
In Caravaggio’s visual language, light is never neutral, and darkness is not merely a backdrop. The two work in synergy, giving his works an extraordinary emotional impact. This use of chiaroscuro partially derived from earlier traditions, such as those of Lombardy and Venice, but Caravaggio pushed them to an extreme level.
The most direct consequence of this compositional choice is an incredible psychological depth: figures, struck by beams of light, are laid bare in their emotions, while the dark background serves as a dramatic void—an “other” space that envelops and isolates the characters. This theatrical effect captures the viewer, drawing them into active participation.
While chiaroscuro was the most striking aspect, Caravaggio’s realism was another disruptive element. Depicting saints with tattered robes and dirty feet, portraying the Virgin with the features of a humble woman, giving subjects a popular and lived-in appearance—these were choices that went against the prevailing taste and provoked considerable controversy. However, such boldness made Caravaggio an innovator, paving the way for what would become the great Baroque era.
Subsequent artists would draw great inspiration from his pictorial language, both in terms of composition and thematic approach. If today Caravaggio’s painting feels particularly “modern,” it is because he was able to translate the real world onto canvas with a sincerity and expressive power capable of transcending time.
The relevance of Caravaggio lies in his extraordinary ability to speak to the human soul, beyond conventions and trends. His paintings reveal an insatiable desire for truth, expressed through a penetrating psychological introspection. Caravaggesque figures are never mere representations but living beings who suffer, rejoice, and question the unknown. This radical approach is the foundation of his enduring allure, transforming each of his works into an icon of Western art.
Within the context of “Caravaggio 2025”, this human dimension emerges with even greater intensity, as the exhibition project highlights the connections between Caravaggio’s paintings and modern sensibilities. Many of the tensions that shape contemporary society—such as the pursuit of authenticity, the centrality of the individual, and the dramatic use of imagery—find a counterpart in Caravaggio’s pictorial language. From this perspective, the artist is no longer a figure of the past but a living interlocutor, capable of inspiring and questioning our present.
To understand the reasons for Caravaggio’s enduring success, one need only observe how many artists have drawn inspiration from his style, not only in the 17th century but also in more recent times. From Giovanni Battista Caracciolo (known as Battistello) to Mattia Preti, from Jusepe de Ribera to Valentin de Boulogne, Caravaggio’s influence is unmistakable. His impact even extends to contemporary cinema, where the power of Caravaggio’s lighting can be seen in certain directorial choices. In photography, numerous professionals have been inspired by the aesthetics of chiaroscuro, using contrasts between light and shadow as a crucial narrative device.
This legacy attests to the versatility and richness of Caravaggio’s artistic message, which continues to be reinterpreted and reimagined in different contexts and forms. The exhibition “Caravaggio 2025” aligns with this long tradition of rediscovery, encouraging audiences to explore the deeper reasons behind his critical acclaim and lasting impact on visual culture.
Over the centuries, many scholars have sought to define why Caravaggio represents a turning point in the history of art. One prevailing interpretation describes him as the first “modern” painter, as he was able to break with traditional conventions and place everyday reality at the center of his artistic narrative. Others have emphasized his spiritual depth, noting how his sacred paintings depict Christian faith in profoundly human terms, far from abstraction and idealism.
It is precisely this multifaceted nature that makes Caravaggio an inexhaustible subject of study. Each new archival discovery, each restoration effort, and each scientific analysis of his pigments and painting techniques adds new layers to our understanding of his complex body of work.
One aspect often highlighted by scholars is Michelangelo Merisi’s rich cultural background. Although he has been labeled a “cursed painter” due to his temperament and legal troubles, it should not be forgotten that he possessed an extensive cultural foundation, enriched by readings, interactions with other artists, and exposure to intellectual circles. This depth of knowledge is evident in many aspects of his art, from his choice of subjects to his interpretation of sacred texts.
For example, his compositions draw inspiration from Northern European engravings, and his works contain references to religious and devotional writings widely circulated during the Counter-Reformation. Every brushstroke in Caravaggio’s paintings results from a continuous dialogue between tradition and innovation, between the need to fulfill patrons’ expectations and the desire to push beyond imposed limits.
Those who study Caravaggio’s art understand the importance of detail. Often, the overall interpretation of a painting depends on an apparently minor element—a ray of light, a hand gesture, or a facial expression. The exhibition encourages visitors to engage in careful analysis, facilitated by a layout that prioritizes physical and visual proximity to the artworks, allowing for close observation of every detail.
This approach enables visitors to notice variations in color, brushstroke transitions, and the texture of skin tones. In this perspective, contemplation becomes a tool for knowledge, an act of discovery that goes beyond mere aesthetic appreciation.
At a time when cultural heritage is receiving increasing attention, initiatives like “Caravaggio 2025” also have a significant social impact. In addition to serving as a major tourist attraction, they contribute to the promotion of Italian art, encouraging reflection on topics such as access to cultural heritage, the preservation of artworks, and investment in the arts.
For younger generations in particular, engaging with the art of Caravaggio fosters greater awareness of the past and an openness to the future. His language, both deeply narrative and strikingly essential, creates a bridge between pictorial tradition and contemporary sensibility, demonstrating how the pursuit of truth and beauty can transcend centuries and geographical boundaries.
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