Caravaggio Exhibit Opens In Rome

The dramatic art of Caravaggio is getting a new showcase in Rome. Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, a Catholic church with a distinctive corkscrew dome and a courtyard designed by Baroque artist Borromini will host the show until May 15. The AP reports that the exhibit includes a portrait of Pope Paul V. That pontiff spared Caravaggio's life, lifting a death sentence against the mercurial artist after he fled Rome in 1606 for killing a man in a duel. That painting was last shown in Florence 100 years ago.

Caravaggio's chiaroscuro stylings, the vivid contrast of dark and light, seemed to play out in his life as well as on the canvas. He was known for his temper and his quickness with weapons. He remains popular partly because of the obvious drama and energy in many of his works. The exhibit also includes paintings by artists mentioned by Caravaggio in his writings, some described as bad, others as good. The inclusion of these works adds a little background to what life was like for this always opinionated artist.