Walking through the Caravaggio 2025 exhibit at Palazzo Barberini felt like stepping back in time. We couldn’t help but think of the many students we guided on their journeys to Italian, eager to explore the language through an exploration of culture. And for those of you with a deep appreciation for Roman culture, few figures loom as large as Caravaggio. His work and dramatic life have left a profound mark on Rome, and experiencing it firsthand is an unforgettable journey.
CARAVAGGIO 2025 exhibit
Giuditta e Oloferne, Caravaggio 2025 Palazzo Barberini Rome until July 6th, 2025
Caravaggio arrived in Rome in the late 1500s as an unknown artist, but by the time of his unfortunate death, he had revolutionized the world of painting. Walking through Palazzo Barberini, you can almost feel the tension between his troubled life and the beauty of his paintings. His masterful use of light and shadow, the chiaroscuro, immediately grabs your attention. Each piece is imbued with raw emotion and an almost palpable intensity. For those of us who’ve spent years experiencing Italian art and history, this exhibit lays bare a fresh perspective. It offers deeper insights into the symbiotic nature Caravaggio’s influence by and on Rome.
CARAVAGGIO throughout the city
Caravaggio paintings. Capella Contarelli. San Luigi dei Francesi church. Rome
What struck the most was how personally connected Caravaggio was to the city. His life, his struggles and his genius all unfolded here. For students of Italian culture, understanding this connection brings new life to the monuments and churches Caravaggio touched. We find it especially moving to stand in front of The Calling of Saint Matthew in the Contarelli Chapel at San Luigi dei Francesi. Knowing this was where he transformed sacred art by painting ordinary people as saints makes the divine seem real, tangible. Then there’s the Supper at Emmaus, which you can also see in the Oratory of San Giovanni, near the exhibit. It’s one of those rare moments when the work speaks directly to you, reminding you of Caravaggio’s incredible ability. He makes the viewer truly feel as if they are part of the scene.
For ScuolaScuola students, many of you are interested in all things Italian. This exhibit offers more than just a glimpse of Caravaggio‘s masterpieces. It is a tangible link to the city that shaped him. As we walk the streets of Rome, whether it’s in the shadow of St. Peter’s or on the steps of the Pantheon, we can’t help but feel that we’re retracing the same path Caravaggio walked—learning from him, understanding him, and coming to know this incredible city in the most intimate way possible.
Immerse yourselves in Italy’s rich history through Caravaggio’s art
This journey, both through the exhibit and through the city, offers a chance for all of us—no matter our age or background—to connect with a piece of Italy’s soul. For those of you who have long dreamed of immersing yourselves in Italy’s rich history, there’s no better way to do so than through Caravaggio’s art. It’s an experience that feels timeless, as if he were still here today, whispering his story through every brushstroke, every shadow. In summary, the Caravaggio 2025 exhibit is not only a celebration of the artist’s genius but also an invitation to students to explore the rich, cultural, and historical tapestry of Rome–truly a city of the People. SPQR!
Caravaggio 2025 Palazzo Barberini, Rome 7 March – 6 July 2025