For the first time in my life I have had the opportunity to take shots (obviously without flash) of these two masterpieces by Caravaggio which are exhibited in an oratory of the Cathedral of St John. A couple of years ago photography was not allowed in here and I tried to sneak a shot of the ‘Beheading of St John’, was caught by security personnel and wasn’t allowed to move on before they made sure I had erased the picture. Now people are allowed to take pictures provided they do not use flash.
I made this collage to show these two precious paintings together with the oratory where they are exposed, one facing the other. With regard to ‘The beheading of St John’ this is the largest painting ever executed by Caravaggio and is the only painting that has been signed by him. He used the blood coming down from St John’s head to put his signature.
Caravaggio spent a few years in Malta while on the run from justice in Italy on allegations that he had committied a murder. He was ordained a Knight of St John – maybe to seduce him to carry out these painting.
Many thanks for all your views, comments and favs. Always much appreciated.
I really like low light shot you're getting. It gives everything a richer look. I like the way the highlight brighten up everything. What outstanding art.
His signature lighting is always breathtaking- even when the subject is unsettling (as in the case of St. John). I have seen some of his works in museums- always drawn to his light. Beautiful collage.
( That house is a farm with a barn.)
Well presented collection of images, as always.