🔦 The Masterpiece in the Spotlight
From July 24 to September 30, 2025, the National Galleries of Ancient Art host a special event: an exhibition dedicated to Caravaggio, with the spotlight on his celebrated Conversion of Saul (also known as the Odescalchi Altarpiece), displayed at Palazzo Barberini.
đź–Ľ A Dialogue Between Two Versions
The exhibition does not only present the original panel painting: alongside it, visitors will find a high-definition reproduction of the canvas version preserved in the Cerasi Chapel of Santa Maria del Popolo.
This direct comparison allows viewers to grasp stylistic and narrative differences, offering a unique insight into the creative process of the Lombard master.
đź’ˇ Between Light, Shadows, and Restoration Secrets
The exhibition also showcases the results of infrared analysis carried out during the 2006 restoration. These investigations revealed hidden details and changes made during the painting process: altered figures, reworked weapons, and variations in gestures and natural elements.
It’s a rare chance to peek behind the scenes of Caravaggio, an artist who revolutionized Baroque painting with his realism and dramatic flair.
đź“ś Part of the Major Caravaggio 2025 Project
This initiative is part of the broader Caravaggio 2025 program, which gathers over twenty of the painter’s masterpieces. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, Palazzo Barberini has become an international hub dedicated to Caravaggio’s art.
🌟 Why You Should Visit
- Uniqueness: seeing two versions of the Conversion of Saul side by side is a rare privilege.
- Discovery: infrared images reveal the secrets of a genius at work.
- Context: the exhibition reinterprets Caravaggio at the heart of Roman Baroque.
đź“Ť Practical Information
- When: July 24 – September 30, 2025
- Where: Palazzo Barberini, Sala Paesaggi – National Galleries of Ancient Art
- Admission: included with the gallery ticket