The exhibition
From 7 March to 7 June 2026, the Museo Storico della Fanteria hosts Caravaggio and the Masters of Light, an evocative exhibition dedicated to the world of Caravaggism and the profound influence of Caravaggio on a wide range of European artists. The exhibition explores how Michelangelo Merisi revolutionized the rules of painting, introducing a dramatic use of light and a powerful realism that deeply shaped the course of art history.
The exhibition route unfolds through works by artists who embraced and reinterpreted Caravaggio’s groundbreaking vision. Among the first paintings on display are works by Bartolomeo Manfredi and Antivedo Gramatica, which reflect the dramatic tension of early Caravaggesque painting. In these works, light is not simply a tool for illumination but a powerful expressive language that guides the viewer’s gaze, evokes emotion, and transforms realism into a striking visual narrative.
The following section introduces visitors to the refined and poetic naturalism of artists such as Orazio Gentileschi and Massimo Stanzione. Their paintings reinterpret Caravaggio’s legacy through softer atmospheres, measured gestures and a sophisticated use of light that enhances the emotional depth of each scene.
The exhibition is further enriched by works from international artists including Bartholomeus van der Helst, Matthias Stomer and Jusepe de Ribera, demonstrating how Caravaggio’s artistic influence extended far beyond Italy. Alongside them, the Bolognese school is represented by artists such as Simone Cantarini, whose works combine dramatic contrasts of light and shadow with a harmonious and balanced composition.
The exhibition concludes with The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, one of the most celebrated masterpieces by Caravaggio and the centerpiece of the show. This iconic work encapsulates all the defining elements of his style: expressive intensity, dramatic lighting contrasts, striking realism and profound spiritual depth.
Caravaggio and the Masters of Light is one of the most interesting art exhibitions in Rome in 2026, an unmissable opportunity for visitors and art lovers to explore the legacy of Caravaggio and the dialogue between the great masters of light.
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