Caravaggio portrait on public display for the first time in Rome

Rare Caravaggio Portrait of Future Pope Goes on Public Display in Rome Museum

A stunning portrait by the renowned baroque painter Caravaggio, which has been held in a private collection for over 60 years, is now being unveiled to the public for the first time at a museum in Rome.

Caravaggio, known for his mastery of the chiaroscuro technique that brought his subjects to life, passed away in 1610 at a young age after a tumultuous life filled with artistic brilliance.

The portrait in question depicts Monsignor Maffeo Barberini, who later ascended to the papacy as Pope Urban VIII in the 17th century. Urban VIII was a significant patron of the arts, counting sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini among his proteges.

Thomas Clement Salomon, Director of the National Galleries of Ancient Art, expressed excitement about the public unveiling of the painting, which was officially attributed to Caravaggio in 1963 and has never been displayed in a museum or lent to an exhibition until now.

This rare piece is one of the few surviving portraits by Caravaggio, as many of his works have been lost or destroyed over time. The painting will be on view from November 23 to February 23, 2025, offering art enthusiasts a chance to witness its captivating presence firsthand.

Curator Paola Nicita emphasized the magnetic power and exceptional quality of Barberini’s portrait, painted around the turn of the 17th century, showcasing the future pope in a commanding pose.

The museum exhibiting the artwork is located in Palazzo Barberini, a grand structure commissioned during Urban VIII’s papacy and designed by Bernini and Carlo Maderno. The palace remained in the Barberini family’s possession until after World War II.

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Additional reporting by Roberto Mignucci and Remo Casilli, Editing by Angus MacSwan