The Museum of Art Pudong unveiled its annual closing exhibition on Dec 12, marking a historic collaboration with the Borghese Gallery in Rome.

The Caravaggio: Wonders of the Italian Baroque exhibition runs until April 12, 2024 and stands as the first-ever Caravaggio-themed showcase in China, featuring an unparallelled display of Caravaggio's masterpieces and over 50 original paintings by other Baroque artists.

Michelangelo Merisi, better known as Caravaggio, is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in art history. Often regarded as the last master of the Renaissance and the innovator of Baroque painting, Caravaggio's rebellious spirit and distinctive lighting style redefined artistic norms. His impact extended beyond his time, influencing artists like Rubens, Rembrandt, and Raphael.

The exhibition showcases six significant Caravaggio masterpieces, including the domestic debut of Boy With A Basket, a national treasure from the Borghese Gallery. This early work exemplifies Caravaggio's mastery in depicting nature, emphasising every detail through a play of light that illuminates the basket and imperfections of the fruits.

Boy With A Basket by Caravaggio. [Photo/CHINA DAILY]

Most notably, the exhibition's design pays homage to Caravaggio's use of light and shadow. The arrangement of the space mirrors the Baroque concepts of colour, spatial layout and dramatic lighting. Visitors are guided through a journey that gradually decreases in brightness, culminating in a final hall where Caravaggio's works are showcased under low lighting, imitating the original candlelit conditions from the period in which they were created. This deliberate design is expected to enhance the dramatic effect, providing an immersive experience for viewers.

A key characteristic of the Baroque style is illusionism — the overall curation and design of the exhibition invite visitors to traverse back to the miraculous Baroque era. Through the use of perspective and stunning effects, the exhibition becomes a form of "illusion" encouraging exploration, contemplation and a rediscovery of the transformative power of art.

Source: "shanghaitourism" WeChat account