Caravaggio in Rome – with Rome Opera Omnia

Caravaggio (1571-1610) – real name Michelangelo Merisi – is an artist of the Baroque period whose groundbreaking use of dramatic lighting in his paintings is often credited as the forerunner to theatrical, photographic and cinematic lighting.

Caravaggio is a controversial figure – a tortured genius who arrived in Rome at the age of 21, having lost half his family to plague, but with enough inheritance to launch himself as a painter.

His painting of the human form was so remarkable it was rumoured he used corpses as models, as well as prostitutes – even to portray holy figures such as the Virgin Mary. He eventually had to flee Rome after numerous run-ins with the local police for brawling and eventually killing a man in a fight during a tennis match.

Caravaggio fled to Naples and then Malta, where he was given a commission by the Knights of Malta – he had to leave again after offending the Knights, possibly over rumours of sexual activity with a partner who was underage.

He died of fever in 1610, while looking for his boat and belongings on the beach, having sailed back to Naples hoping for a pardon for his misdeeds. He was arrested and released again on his arrival, but never made it back to Rome.

In April, Rome Opera Omnia will be performing in English a guided tour S ounds and Visions of Caravaggio – taking in Palazzo Doria Pamphilj for an evening of Baroque Music set against the backdrop of paintings by Caravaggio, Tiziano, Raphael, Bernini and Velàzquez.

A chance to see the work of Caravaggio and hear the music of the era, right in the heart of Rome.

Buon viaggio!

Can’t get to Rome?

Download ROME ALONE free at Kindle Unlimited for a Roman holiday.

Shortlisted for the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook’s Centenary Award.

Adult content with scenes of shopping and amore.