The Caravaggio exhibit currently being held at the Ala Mazzoniana exhibition space at Termini Station is nearing its end. “Caravaggio: Masterpieces in Private Collections” is particularly special because it showcases “The Calling of St. Peter and St. Andrew,” which has been in restoration for the last two years. “Calling” was only recently attributed with near certainty to Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.

Caravaggio is best known for rendering biblical figures in a realistic light (and for his swaggering braggadocio). His work was all but forgotten until the early 20th century. Since then, Rome has essentially become Caravaggio central.

Three churches in Rome provide free access to Caravaggio’s work. The Crucifixion of St. Peter and The Conversion of St. Paul on the Road to Damascus are housed in Santa Maria del Popolo in Piazza del Popolo. Near Piazza Navona, Madonna dei Pellegrini can be viewed at Sant’Agostini, and three scenes from the life of St. Matthew, including The Calling of St. Matthew, are on display at San Luigi dei Francesi.

Other works by Caravaggio can be seen—though not for free—at the Vatican Galleries, Borghese Gallery, Palazzo Barberini, Doria Pamphilj Gallery, and the Capitoline Museum.

The Masterpieces exhibit runs through March 4th and costs €8 (€5 reduced.)

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