{"id":274,"date":"2014-07-11T13:40:52","date_gmt":"2014-07-11T17:40:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.italyperfect.com\/blog\/?p=274"},"modified":"2025-04-07T10:32:06","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T14:32:06","slug":"every-caravaggio-painting-in-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.italyperfect.com\/blog\/every-caravaggio-painting-in-rome.html","title":{"rendered":"Every Caravaggio Painting in Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The greatest painter of the Renaissance was Caravaggio according to many experts. Born Michelangelo Merisi, his lively character and grandiose personality would rival modern celebrities. He arrived in Rome in 1592, a penniless painter\u2019s apprentice. A decade later he had become the most famous painter in the world as well as a gambler and a murdering outlaw! He left Rome in a hurry and lived as an outlaw for a few more years before dying of illness at 28 years old.<\/p>\n

His painting was known for radical naturalism and\u00a0chiaroscuro<\/em>, dramatic light and shadow. In Rome you can find 18 of his masterpieces, many freely accessed in churches<\/p>\n

How many have you seen? Please leave a comment!<\/p>\n

Galleria Borghese<\/h2>\n

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For a manageable \u201cdose\u201d of the best painting and sculpture, The Borghese Gallery<\/a>\u00a0is a must-see destination for all Renaissance art lovers. It has more paintings by Caravaggio than any other single exhibit. Boy with a Basket of Fruit<\/em>, Sick Bacchus<\/em> (self portrait), David with the Head of Goliath\u00a0<\/em>(right), Saint Jerome Writing<\/em>, Madonna and Child with St. Anne<\/em> and Portrait of Pope Paolo V.<\/em><\/p>\n

Reservations should be made online, well in advance of your visit, as tickets typically sell out weeks in advance. The Galleria Borghese is such a well-known destination that visitors have a strict 2-hour time limit to view the entire museum. Pace yourself so you have time to enjoy the exquisite works by Caravaggio, sculptures by Bernini and Titian’s amazing allegory, Sacred and Profane Love<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, Contarelli Chapel<\/h2>\n

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The Contarelli Chapel, in the far left corner of this dimly lit church, houses three of Caravaggio’s best works. The Calling of Saint Matthew\u00a0<\/em>(above), The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew<\/em> and the altar painting is The Inspiration of Saint Matthew.<\/em><\/p>\n

While these three works are free to view, the Chapel is dimly lit and the coin-operated light requires a modest payment every few minutes. So bring a few coins with you to enjoy these public treasures.<\/p>\n

The Church of Sant’Agostino, Cavalletti Chapel<\/h2>\n

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The Madonna of Loreto<\/em> is the only painting by Caravaggio in this church that is very close to San Luigi. It is in the little chapel to your left when you enter the church. Bring a few coins to pay for light so you can enjoy this masterpiece of the common man. The painting is darkened with time but notice how the Madonna is barefoot just like the pilgrims. This was a scandalous detail during the Renaissance, depicting the Virgin Mary as if she is a commoner in front of a decrepit wall. Caravaggio displayed the divine in everyday life.<\/p>\n

Where to stay near San Luigi and Sant’Agostino<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Pasquino<\/a>\u00a0apartment is a top floor, very comfortable apartment ideally located near Piazza Navona, one of the most sought-after locations.<\/p>\n

Vatican Museum<\/h2>\n

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One the largest collections of art in the world, the Vatican Museum<\/a> houses just a single painting by Caravaggio. The Entombment of Christ, a shockingly naturalistic depiction of Christ being lowered into his tomb.<\/p>\n

The winding halls of the Vatican museum could take days to peruse, so it\u2019s a good thing they have a cafeteria in case you get hungry. Some other artworks worth seeing are the Laocoon and his Sons,<\/em> The Transfiguration of Christ<\/em> by Raphael and the extensive modern art collection.<\/p>\n

Where to stay near the Vatican<\/strong><\/p>\n

Elegante<\/a>\u00a0offers large, luxury Roman living at its finest with 4 bedrooms.<\/p>\n

Doria Pamphilj Gallery<\/h2>\n

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Located off the Via del Corso, the Doria Pamphilij<\/a>\u00a0is one of Rome\u2019s most central galleries housing a magnificent private collection . On display are two paintings by Caravaggio, The Rest on the Flight into Egypt<\/em>\u00a0(right)<\/em> and Penitent Mary.<\/em><\/p>\n

Where to stay near Via del Corso<\/strong><\/p>\n