Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
The Italian artist 1590s - 1610
If you’re reading this blog you’re most probably already a fan of Caravaggio, his art or even simply his story. There is not much else to be written on or about this ‘Hollywoodised’ man. His life and works scrutinised, analysed and reflected upon by academics, critics, fans and all amid.
This blog aims to offer you a place to find the best parts of Caravaggio on the web - from videos from The National Gallery in London, to the definitive reading list of the most desirable books on Caravaggio and finally to some reflections of his inner world. Not to forget his ‘top ten paintings’.
Art - A personal taste.
The endless reflections that are drawn out from a single picture, a single moment in time yet allowing the viewer to interpret a million meanings. These meanings given by ‘clues’ in the artist images but mostly the meanings stemming from ones own subconscious and behavioural patterns - ones own personal experiences and how one views the world according to the multitude of life experiences that have bought them to that very moment of viewing and interpretation. One such interpretations that holds throughout so many of the papers, books and articles is that of the ‘light and dark’ that Caravaggio illustrates. This a metaphor for the dark and light within us all. One such recent author - Salley Vickers - has written a wonderfully simplified yet thorough fictional book, ‘The Other Side Of You’ that conveys this within the context of the lives of two middle aged couples. The light and dark within each person and within the relationships. The patients and the psychiatrist, the lover and the adulteress, the husband and the wife…There is always ‘The Other Side’ of oneself and Caravaggio was no stranger to this notion. A life split between two social sectors - the light and the darkness in his life and works.
Salley Vickers - BOOK: ‘The Other Side Of You’
A sinners reputation with a saints heart...
The National Gallery - A Talk From The Curator - Letizia Trevis
'The Burial Of Santa Lucia' - At the Church of Santa Lucia, Ortigia, Sicily
Algila Hotel in Ortigia offers you a place to see one of Caravaggio finest works:
‘The Burial of Saint Lucia’ (1608) a Baroque oil Painting of Christian Art located in the Church of Santa Lucia in Ortigia, Siracusa, Sicily. - 'Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia'
In 1608, Caravaggio was commissioned to complete a painting to decorate the tomb of Santa (Saint) Lucia of Syracuse, for the Church of Santa Lucia.
It was a vast canvas, four metres by three, another realistic scene and a far cry from the conventional religious paintings of the time.
Given to the Italian State in the 19th century, the painting was housed for a long time in the Gallery of Palazzo Bellomo and then moved to this church during the restoration of the Gallery. Now the painting is on display in the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, in Piazza Duomo, Ortigia just 5 minutes walk from Hotel Algila and actually backing on to our beautiful sister hotel - Hotel Roma. In fact, we are the only hotel in the world, not only as part of UNESCO World Heritage but that backs onto the 2000 year old Temple dedicated to goddess Athena (Minerva). This art is housed in the cathedral which still opens its doors for services, weddings and funerals - a working church still in use by the local Sicilian people of Siracusa and surrounding towns and villages.
There is also the Church of Saint Lucia 'al Sepolcro' A beautiful Baroque church loaded with fascinating history, just ten minutes on foot off Ortigia Island - Via Luigi Bignami, 1, 96100 Siracusa Tel (Italy) +39 0931 67946
Caravaggio on Show
The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew | 'La Crocifissione di S.Andrea'
Ortigia, Siracusa 13 Apr 2019 - Jan 10th 2020
15 Piazza Duomo, Ortigia, Siracusa, Sicily, Italy Tel: 347 6036027
An exhibition in the heart of Ortigia and also a “Caravaggio Experience” set up in the underground section of the square.
In October 1608, Caravaggio brought off a miraculous escape from prison in Malta, arriving by boat on the south coast of Sicily. He made his way to Siracusa where he was met and looked after by his friend Mario Minniti...
Directions on how to reach the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia from the Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel and from the Antico Hotel Roma 1880 can be found on the 'Getting Around' blog here and also from the reception team.
Visitor Information for the Church of Santa Lucia.
The church is open and offers free admission from Tuesday to Sunday between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.
There is a small climb of five stairs to enter the church. For more info at the office call (Italy 0039) 0931 65328.
We would love to hear from you about your Caravaggio experiences in Sicily, from something you've read or just general info. Please leave a comment below...