St. Petersburg, Florida – A rare exhibition of Baroque masterpieces, including works directly influenced by the Italian master Caravaggio, has opened at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida. , the exhibition, titled “In Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi,” offers a unique opportunity to view paintings from the prestigious and rarely seen collection of the Fondazione Roberto Longhi in Florence, Italy.
The exhibition centers on the revolutionary impact of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610), an artist known simply as Caravaggio, whose dramatic use of light and shadow – a technique known as chiaroscuro – fundamentally altered the course of painting. His work, described as “sensual, shocking, audacious, and dramatically lit,” continues to resonate with audiences centuries after his death.
At the heart of the display is “Boy Bitten by a Lizard,” an early masterpiece by Caravaggio. The painting is noted for its striking depiction of both physical pain and emotional response, juxtaposed with a detailed rendering of still life elements. This combination, and the innovative use of light, signaled a departure from artistic conventions of the time and established Caravaggio as a pivotal figure in the development of the Baroque style.
The Baroque movement, which flourished in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, was characterized by its drama, grandeur, and emotional intensity. Caravaggio’s influence extended far beyond Italy, inspiring a generation of artists who traveled to Rome to study his techniques and contribute to the burgeoning Baroque aesthetic. The exhibition showcases this widespread impact through a collection of nearly forty canvases.
Among the featured works are four intimate, portrait-like paintings of Saints Paul, Phillip, Thomas, and Judas Thaddeus by Jusepe de Ribera (1591–1652), a Spanish artist deeply influenced by Caravaggio. The exhibition also includes “The Denial of St. Peter” by Valentin de Boulogne (1591–1632), a French painter whose work is described as a “gripping exploration [of] human psychology,” and “The Annunciation of Sampson’s Birth” by Matthias Stom (1600–1652), a Dutch artist known for his luminous compositions.
The collection itself is the legacy of Roberto Longhi (1889–1970), an Italian art historian and collector whose research played a crucial role in rediscovering and promoting the work of Caravaggio and his followers. Longhi’s “keen eye and groundbreaking research revived nearly forgotten artists,” ensuring their continued recognition and appreciation.
The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg is presenting the exhibition alongside a companion display, “Baroque Continuum,” which explores the enduring legacy of Caravaggio’s style. While “In Caravaggio’s Light” focuses on the master and his immediate followers, “Baroque Continuum” traces the influence of his artistic principles – dramatic lighting, bold realism, and intense emotion – through subsequent centuries and into contemporary art.
This broader exploration demonstrates how Caravaggio’s innovations have inspired artists across various disciplines, including painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture. Examples include the work of Thomas Anshutz, who employed Baroque effects in his portraits, and Edward Steichen, a photographer who utilized dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. Contemporary artist Reza Aramesh is also featured, showcasing sculptures that echo Caravaggio’s blend of pain and sensuality.
The exhibition offers a rare opportunity for American audiences to experience the depth and breadth of the Fondazione Roberto Longhi’s collection, and to understand the profound and lasting impact of Caravaggio on the history of art. The exhibition will remain on view until .
The significance of this exhibition extends beyond the aesthetic appreciation of Baroque art. It highlights the importance of art historical scholarship in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, and demonstrates how the work of a single artist can continue to inspire and challenge audiences across generations. The display at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg provides a valuable lens through which to examine the evolution of artistic styles and the enduring power of human creativity.
