Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Tracking down Caravaggio in Naples...


Tracking down the three Caravaggio paintings in Naples takes a while but is well worth the effort. The artist fled here from Rome after murdering a young man, and worked in Naples for only a few months before fleeing again to Malta desperately seeking a pardon for his crime...


Traipsing through the myriad of rooms in the gargantuan art museum called the Museo di Capodimonte which severely dwarfs the visitor with its baroque grandeur, one first sees this amazing painting by Caravaggio "The Flagellation of Christ" from a long way off at the end of a narrow vista in the gallery...


The painting is a masterpiece of Caravaggio's well known traits in striking naturalism combining perspective, composition, and the light/shadow effects of chiaroscuro to full theatrical and dramatic impact...


The Museum contains a wealth of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Classics, and set in a huge green parkland with extensive lawns and palm trees, it was actually my first glimpse of a green space in Naples. Naples is a real cultural powerhouse - be sure to visit if you get the chance.....Next stop - the Caravaggio Trail in Rome in February - can't wait!!

4 comments:

Sylvia K said...

I think that it's fantastic that you do take advantage of being able to travel and see/find such incredible places, works of art!! Thanks for sharing them with us, Catherine! Hope your week has gone well and wishing you a very Happy Holiday season!!

Lynne with an e said...

An excellent and rewarding quest!

PeterParis said...

Banned by the pope, but obviously forgiven, considering that you can now see his works at the Vatican. I guess you have already seen the Louvre ones? :-)

Catherine said...

Thanks for the comments - much appreciated