Until August 18, 2013, an Italian masterpiece from Rome will be on display in the crypt beneath the Siena Duomo. St. John the Baptist by Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio, is on loan in Siena from the Pinacoteca Capitolina in Rome, where it has been since 1750.
The painting is one of the great painter’s most fascinating works, joining naturalism and religious sentiment. Now determined by scholars to be an authentic Caravaggio, St. John the Baptist was probably painted for Roman noble Ciriaco Mattei in 1602. Intended for the private rooms of Palazzo Mattei rather than a place of worship, the painting is more of a meditation and a celebration of earlier Renaissance art than a religious piece.
Recent studies have also found a strong link between Caravaggio and his contemporary schools in Siena. This evidence comes from the collection of early seventeenth century art collector Giulio Mancini, who revered Caravaggio. Mancini allowed local artists to visit and study the master’s works, thus spreading his style of painting.
The current exhibit in the Siena Duomo highlights the relationship between Caravaggesque and Sienese painting. Until May 24, it also features an ‘art aperitivo’ under the loggia of the Duomo Nuovo: guides will explain the Caravaggio work during aperitifs.
For information on tickets and tours, see www.operaduomo.siena.it
