Caravaggio, St Francis in meditation (details)

Caravaggio is one of the truly big names in art history. His realism and distinctive chiaroscuro (light and shade) technique proved hugely influential for 17th-century painting. This year marks the 400th anniversary of his death, which is being commemorated around the world. This small exhibition, featuring two paintings of St. Francis, illustrates the scientific debate surrounding Caravaggio’s techniques and working methods, and the relationship between original and replica.

In conjunction with the display a conference will be arranged by The Italian Culture Institute in Stockholm and Nationalmuseum. Caravaggio’s work and the impact he has had on European art will be discussed by Italian, French and Swedish experts.

The ever more sophisticated restoration and study techniques, as well as deeply advanced research, have in the last few years made it possible to acquire new important knowledge on the work of Caravaggio. For the exhibition “The mystery of the two St. Francis in meditation” (Caravaggio x 2), organised on m the occasion of the 400 anniversary of the death of the artist, several Italian, French and Swedish experts summarize these works in progress, and the impact that Caravaggio’s work has had on European art.¨

Thursday 21 at 9.40 am – 6.15 pm

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Den helige Franciscus, olja på duk, 128,2 x 97,4 cm. San Pietro, Carpineto Romano, deponerad i Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, Palazzo Barberini, Rom. © Ministry of the Interior, Department of Immigration and Civil Rights, Central Direction for the Administration of  "Fondo Edifici di Culto"

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (Bartolomoeo Manfredi?) Den helige Franciscus, olja på duk, 128,5 x 97,6 cm. Santa Maria della Concezione, Rom © Ministry of the Interior, Department of Immigration and Civil Rights, Central Direction for the Administration of  "Fondo Edifici di Culto"