Caravaggio and Caravaggesques exhibition in Florence

Caravaggio – a runaway genius

Caravaggio is one of the most important Italian painters from the early 17^th century known for Tenebrist (dramatic illumination) paintings.  It is a technique that uses major contrast between light and dark with a dark background.  A major exhibition of Caravaggio and his followers is now in Florence until October 17^th 2010 at the Uffizi Gallery and the Palatine Gallery (Pitti Palace).  These famous artworks are a must-see!  More than a 100 works of Caravaggio and his followers are shown to commemorate the 4^th centennial of Caravaggio’s death.    

Caravaggio’s Sacrifice of Isaac     Photo by carulmare

Famous Paintings at the exhibit
Important paintings in this exhibition include The Sacrifice of Isaac, Bacchus, Medusa, the Knight of Malta, the Tooth Puller and the Sleeping Cupid.  A well-known follower of Caravaggio is Artemisia Gentileschi who was one of the few famous female artists from the Baroque period.  Her paintings are shown at both the galleries as well.  Other tenebrist works include paintings of Ribera, Gerrit van Honthorst, etc.  The video room at the Palatine Gallery shows the restoration process on some of these paintings.  This process is fascinating to see. 

Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy

An important part of the exhibit at the Palatine gallery is the display of many self-portraits of famous painters – these are borrowed from the Vasari corridor.  This is a great opportunity to see these paintings as well.  This gallery also has permanent works of Raphael, Rubens, Titian, Reni, Allori and other great masterworks.

Tickets can be bought directly at the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace or from the following site:  
http://www.tickitaly.com/tickets/pitti-palatine-modern-tickets.php

Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy       Photo by pynomoscato