Unveiling the Secrets of Caravaggio’s Final Masterpiece at New London Exhibition
The final known painting by the Baroque artist Caravaggio, “The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula,” is set to be exhibited at the National Gallery in London from 18 April to 21 July. The painting, loaned by the Gallerie d’Italia in Naples, depicts the moment when the saint is shot by a man with an arrow. Behind Saint Ursula, a figure believed to be Caravaggio can be seen looking on from the shadows. This painting, reattributed to Caravaggio in the 1980s, sheds light on the artist’s final years before his death.
The work’s rich provenance traces its journey from Naples to Genoa and back, eventually ending up in the collections of Banca Intesa Sanpaolo. The discovery of a letter in 1980 confirmed the painting’s authorship and provided insight into its commission and subject matter. The painting underwent a major restoration in 2003, revealing hidden details and correcting previous restoration mistakes.
The upcoming exhibition at the National Gallery will showcase “The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula” alongside another Caravaggio work, “Salomé with the Head of John the Baptist.” This display, part of the gallery’s bicentenary celebrations, offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience Caravaggio’s genius up close and for free.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.