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Caravaggio at the Prado Museum

Who was Caravaggio?

Caravaggio, whose full name was Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, was one of the most groundbreaking painters of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Born in 1571 in Italy, he made a name for himself by painting religious and mythological scenes in a way no one had seen before. His work is famous for its dramatic lighting—bright highlights cutting through deep shadows—a technique called chiaroscuro that gave his paintings a raw, almost cinematic feel.

Having said that, Caravaggio wasn’t just revolutionary in his style. He brought a new level of realism to his subjects, often using everyday people as models and showing them with all their flaws, dirt, and emotion. His art was intense, and so was his life—he had a reputation for being hot-tempered and even got into trouble with the law. Still, his bold approach changed the course of art history and influenced generations of painters across Europe.

Which Caravaggio paintings can you see at the Prado Museum?

The Museo del Prado in Madrid houses one confirmed work by Caravaggio—David with the Head of Goliath.

David with the Head of Goliath (1600)

This dramatic painting shows the young David holding the severed head of the giant Goliath. Caravaggio’s signature use of tenebrism gives the scene a chilling immediacy. The psychological tension in David’s expression, balanced with the macabre realism of Goliath’s lifeless face, showcases the artist’s unmatched ability to capture emotion and narrative in a single frame.

While this is the only confirmed Caravaggio painting in the Prado’s permanent collection, the museum also houses works by other artists deeply influenced by his style, known as the Caravaggisti, such as José de Ribera and Orazio Gentileschi.

Where can you find Caravaggio’s paintings in the Prado Museum?****

Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath is typically located in Room 7A of the Prado Museum, which features works from the Italian Baroque period. The room’s dim lighting and thoughtfully arranged displays enhance the dramatic effects of Caravaggio’s art, allowing viewers to appreciate the interplay of shadow and light that defines his style.

Frequently asked questions about Caravaggio Prado Museum

At the Prado Museum, you can see David with the Head of Goliath by Caravaggio. It’s a gripping depiction of the young David holding the severed head of Goliath—a dramatic masterpiece full of raw emotion and signature chiaroscuro lighting.