Author: GIOVANNA DELL’ORTO Associated Press, ABC News
Published on: 25/05/2025 | 05:07:58
AI Summary:
The Roman basilica of the Augustinians preserves an iconic painting of the Virgin Mary by Caravaggio. A new exhibit of works by the baroque painter is now on view in Rome until July 6. From the Pilgrims’ Madonna at the Basilica of St. Augustine to the Martyrdom of St Ursula closes the exhibit. The artist revolutionized the use of light and darkness in Western art. The name of the Pilgrims’ Madonna references not only the two figures before Mary, but also the fact that on this spot, the Augustinians have welcomed pilgrims en route to the nearby Vatican since the end of the 13th century. It was to commemorate a pilgrimage to Loreto — a shrine in central Italy where tradition says Mary’s house was miraculously airlifted. In fact, Caravaggio worked for prestigious, pious patrons, including a card Francis of Assisi is depicted in an angel’s arms while one of his early companions, Brother Leo, is barely visible in the surrounding darkness. It’s an early example of those “oscuri gagliardi” — a bold darkness, as a 17th century art critic quoted in an exhibit panel put it. In David with the Head of Goliath, the dripping severed head is a self-portrait. More of Caravaggio’s
Original: 805 words
Summary: 204 words
Percent reduction: 74.66%
I'm a bot and I'm open source