Main lessons
- The landmark Caravaggio exhibition presents a long-lost masterpiece that has been missing for more than 400 years.
- The exhibition is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors during its stay at Palazzo Barberini .
- Palazzo Barberini has a capacity of up to 1,500 visitors per day, allowing a potential increase in revenue of 20% during the exhibition period.
- Ticket sales for the exhibition are expected to generate around €1 million, based on an average ticket price of €10.
- The exhibition will include more than 50 works by Caravaggio and his contemporaries.
The 2025 exhibition highlight at the Palazzo Barberini in Rome celebrates one of the greatest masters of Baroque painting: Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio ( 1571-1610). Born in Milan and trained in the Lombard school, Caravaggio is famous for his revolutionary use of chiaroscuro, his mastery of realism, and his dramatic depictions of biblical and secular scenes. His innovative style has profoundly influenced European painting and continues to inspire artists throughout the centuries.
This unique retrospective highlights a masterpiece lost for over 400 years, recently rediscovered: Portrait of Maffeo Barberini , alongside over 50 works by the artist and his contemporaries. A must-see event for art lovers, expected to attract over 100,000 visitors.
A Discovery
The rediscovery of Portrait of Maffeo Barberini shook the art world. The painting, which had been lost from the archives for centuries, is now the centerpiece of this exhibition. It perfectly illustrates the artist's dramatic style, his unique use of chiaroscuro, and his realistic approach to pictorial narrative.
Caravaggio , famous for his talent for transforming religious scenes into striking and human representations, left a profound mark on the history of art. His bold approach to realism and his ability to infuse his works with emotion set him apart from other painters of his time. His work, influenced by the working classes whom he often chose as models, sometimes shocked his patrons but inevitably captivated his audience.
An Exceptional Journey Through the Art of Caravaggio
The exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the world of Caravaggio. In addition to Portrait of Maffeo Barberini , visitors will be able to admire iconic paintings such as Judith and Holofernes and The Sacrifice of Isaac . These works bear witness to the master's stylistic evolution and his lasting influence on European painting.
In total, more than 50 works by Caravaggio and his contemporaries are on display, offering a comprehensive view of his artistic legacy. This selection represents approximately 15% of the painter's known oeuvre, making it a rare opportunity to appreciate his work in a single location.
Maffeo Barberini: A Key Patron in Caravaggio's Career
The exhibition also highlights the influence of Maffeo Barberini on Caravaggio's work. A great art lover and future Pope Urban VIII, Barberini was an influential patron of many artists of his time, including Caravaggio. His support allowed the artist to obtain several prestigious commissions in Rome, considerably influencing his production and artistic development.
Barberini's role in 17th-century artistic patronage is a key element of this exhibition, illustrating how the support of influential figures enabled artists such as Caravaggio to innovate and push the boundaries of Baroque painting.
Palazzo Barberini , an emblematic place of Roman heritage, is transformed for this occasion into a temple dedicated to the art of Caravaggio. Organized in 12 sections, the exhibition offers an immersive journey through the life and work of the painter, putting his paintings in dialogue with those of other major artists of his time, such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Andrea Sacchi .
With a capacity of 1,500 visitors per day and a marketing campaign reaching over a million people, this event is set to be one of the biggest cultural events of 2025. It offers a unique opportunity to discover or rediscover the genius of Caravaggio and his indelible impact on the history of art. On view until July 6, 2025 in Rome, Italy, at the Palazzo Barberini .
Jean Dubreil