Caravaggio, one of the greatest masters of Baroque art, left an indelible mark on the history of art, and Rome was one of the most important cities for his career and his extraordinary talent.
Michelangelo Merisi – Caravaggio
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, known simply as Caravaggio, was born in Milan in 1571, but it was in Rome that he reached the pinnacle of his artistic career. Arrived in the Eternal City in 1592, Caravaggio brought with him a revolutionary and innovative style, which would shock and fascinate the art world.
His works are characterized by the bold use of chiaroscuro, a pictorial technique that emphasizes the contrasts between light and shadow to create effects of great drama and realism. This distinctive style has come to be known as “tenebrism” and has influenced many subsequent artists.
Rome, at the time, was the center of culture and the arts, and Caravaggio found fertile ground to express his artistic genius. Here he painted some of his most famous and innovative works, which are now kept in museums and churches in Rome and throughout the world.
Caravaggio in Rome
Among Caravaggio’s most famous works in Rome we find “Il Cestello”, “Bacchus” and “La Buona Ventura”, but undoubtedly his most iconic presence is in the cycle of paintings created for the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi.
The three works commissioned for this church represent scenes from the life of Saint Matthew: “The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew”, “The Calling of Saint Matthew” and “Saint Matthew and the Angel”. These paintings are considered absolute masterpieces of Baroque art and attract visitors from all over the world.
Unfortunately, Caravaggio’s turbulent and controversial personality often led him into run-ins with the law, and in 1606 he was involved in a murder, forcing him to leave Rome to avoid capture. However, his artistic legacy continued to influence subsequent generations of painters.
Today, in Rome, it is possible to admire Caravaggio’s legacy by visiting the churches and museums that house his works, admiring up close the art of a genius who redefined the concept of beauty and realism in painting.
Here are some places where you can see Caravaggio’s works in Rome:
Galleria Borghese: Located in the Villa Borghese, the Galleria Borghese houses several works by Caravaggio, including “Young Man with a Basket of Fruit” and “David with the Head of Goliath”. To visit the gallery, advance booking is required as the number of visitors is limited. LINK HERE
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi: This church is famous for hosting three masterpieces by Caravaggio: “The Martyrdom of San Matteo”, “San Matteo and the Angel” and “Vocation of San Matteo”. These paintings are located in the Contarelli Chapel and are accessible for free. MAPS
Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo: Inside the Cerasi Chapel of this basilica, you can admire two works by Caravaggio: “Conversion of St. Paul” and “Crucifixion of St. Peter”. MAPS
National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini: This gallery houses “Narcissus”, another famous work by Caravaggio. LINK HERE
Capitoline Museums: The Capitoline Museums collection includes “Bacchus”, a painting by Caravaggio. LINK HERE
Vatican Museums: These famous museums house a vast collection of art amassed by the Popes over the centuries. From Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpieces to Raphael’s frescoed rooms, every corner of the Vatican Museums is a marvel to be discovered. MAPS TICKETS
Palazzo Barberini: This sumptuous palace is one of the best examples of Roman Baroque architecture and is home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art. Inside the building, you can admire works by artists of the caliber of Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini and many others. MAPS TICKETS
Galleria Corsini: This art gallery houses a collection of paintings and sculptures from different eras, with works by artists such as Caravaggio, Titian, Rubens and others. The Corsini Gallery is located in the Palazzo Corsini, a Baroque building which in itself is an architectural masterpiece. MAPS TICKETS
Palazzo Doria Pamphilj: This palace is one of the largest private residences in Rome and houses a valuable art collection, including paintings by Caravaggio, Tiziano and Velázquez. The luxurious rooms and frescoes of the building are evidence of its glorious past. MAPS TICKETS
Church of S. Maria Immacolata at Via Veneto 27: This church is known for its Capuchin Chapel, decorated with human skeletons and skulls in a suggestive and charming way. The macabre decorations create a unique atmosphere, and the chapel attracts visitors from all over the world. MAPS
Basilica of S. Agostino: Located in the heart of Rome, this basilica is one of the oldest and most significant churches in the city. Inside the church, you can admire works of art by famous artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael and Andrea Sansovino. The focal point of the basilica is Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s “Santa Monica Monument”, a sculptural masterpiece that mesmerizes visitors. MAPS
Be sure to check the opening hours and booking information for each venue, as some works may be on loan for temporary exhibitions or other reasons. So it’s always a good idea to confirm the presence of Caravaggio’s works before your visit.