Italian Art for Travelers
Your passport to culture, history, and art

Caravaggio’s Calling of St. Matthew was Pope Francis’ favorite painting. As a cardinal, he would often contemplate in situ, in the Contarelli Chapel of San Luigi dei Francesi, near Piazza Navona. What drew Francis to this painting? Was it mercy for the artist’s sins and bad boy reputation, well-earned with a murder conviction? Or perhaps Caravaggio’s incarceration resonated with the pope’s ministry for those in prison.

Why are so many places and people named after Paul? Paul’s life story from persecutor to preacher inspired his namesake and art from convers

Caravaggio was a violent man and a number of his paintings depict violent scenes. What was Caravaggio's Rome like?

How did artists represent the Old Testament King David? As giant slayer? Lustful king? Composer of Psalms? Let’s look at some depictions