Discover, Plan & Go!

Early Baroque painter, Michelangelo Merisi (1573-1610), better known as Caravaggio, left an indelible mark on the world of art. Although many know him only as a controversial artist who fled Rome after committing murder, his art stands alone in its quality and originality, in many ways defining Baroque Italian art. This three-hour walk of Rome visits several of Caravaggio's masterpieces in the company of an Master's- or Ph.D.-level art historian. Covering museum pieces and other in-situ artworks, our seminar-style approach is designed for travelers who are dedicated to learning more about this fascinating painter and the Rome in which he lived.

We begin at the National Museum of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini, which houses exceptional examples of early 17th century painting. In addition to works by Caravaggio, the museum is an excellent opportunity to explore artists whose styles opposed Caravagio's, as well those who were influenced by him. Depending on the group's interests, we may look at such artists as Guido Reni, Domenichino, and Orazio Gentileschi, all of whom overlapped with Caravaggio and were influenced by his innovations. We then continue to view some of the many Caravaggio altarpieces still found in situ in the city, including Caravaggio’s first public altarpieces in the church of San Luigi di Francesci and then continue on to later works in Sant’ Agostino. These two churches, and the masterpieces within, comprise the core of the itinerary. And we may linger here for some time. (There's excellent coffee nearby!) Finally, we'll stroll to Piazza del Popolo, passing several notable places in the life of Caravaggio and ending with the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, where two of Caravaggio’s works are juxtaposed.

This seminar aims to give clients a strong understanding of not only Caravaggio’s style and art, but also of the many other splendid artists working during this fascinating period in Rome, and is thus an excellent choice for anyone interested in art history and the Baroque.