Caravaggio: His life and style in three paintings | National Gallery

Curator of Later Italian, Spanish, and French 17th-century Paintings, Letizia Treves, guides you through the tumultuous life of Caravaggio. She looks at how his innovative style developed from a focus on nature and expression in his early works to the sophistication of his mature works.

Would you like to attend our Lunchtime Talks? Take a look at our program:

Paintings and timestamps mentioned in this video:

0:46 Introduction to Caravaggio's life

4:24 Boy bitten by Lizard, about 1594-5

10:42 The Supper at Emmaus, 1601

20:55 Salome receives the Head of John the Baptist, about 1609-10

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The National Gallery houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The museum is free of charge and open 361 days per year, daily between 10.00 am - 6.00 pm and on Fridays between 10.00 am - 9.00 pm.

Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN

[finchlear]

This is a perfect example of how You Tube can be an absolute treasure. Thanks for sharing this informative video.

[faydi]

I love the engaging style of the speaker! She manages to go through the ups and downs of Caravaggio's turbulent life in just 30 minutes, in plain English and without sounding pompous at all. Thanks to the National Gallery for sharing this talk on YouTube!

[JW-orxj]

I would listen to this woman talk about art anytime. She's wonderful.

[rogeryoung]

One of the best speakers I have seen, quick and to the point. No long pauses, no fiddling with notes - very professional. Well done Letizia!

[victoriaf.]

Letizia is my most favorite presenters, she brings to life the beautiful paintings with her engaging and knowledgeable ways.

[estelle]

I feel like I was sitting on a high level lecture. It was amazing.

[ElmwoodParkHulk]

Excellent, best curator I have ever heard, she loves what she does, appreciate the passion and love for this work

[wms]

Letizia is a spectacular woman combining absolute beauty with intelligence and she is captivating to listen to.❤

[arrans]

Letizia Treves is an top-notch art historian/speaker whose passion & knowledge kept me mesmerized.

[carolynslist]

The fact that we can even know such incredible detail of past lives just blows my mind!

[cavlizzy]

I love Caravaggio's painting "The Crucifixion of St. Peter" in Rome. I have been to see it many times. He is easily one of my top 3 favorite painters! Love this lecture so much. I once spent 7 hours in the National Gallery in London.... it was NOT enough time.

[LagartoEl]

Just brilliant. Letizia Treves knows this material cold and takes you through it at breakneck speed.

[kristi.s]

I was 10 min alone in the room with Caravaggio's The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula at Naples and it was such an experience. This lecture is a treasure to explain it all even more profound.

[mceupc]

This is such an outstanding talk about Caravaggio's life and work!
Ms Letizia Treves guides us on a brilliant tour, making us feel present at the scenes described so enthusiastically!
These were moments of enchantment while listening to/ watching Caravaggio's work.
Thanks very much indeed for this wonderful presentation.

[simonwhitlock]

I watched hardly daring to draw a breath and found myself clapping at the screen at the end, magnificent presentation by someone who is so clearly passionate about her work, thank you Ms Treves.

[digitalrob]

This is wonderful - and I could listen to Letizia all day!

[jameskieley]

She's a fantastic curator. Her dynamic presentation of Caravaggio's work is outstanding!

[el_mal_de_ojo]

I visited the National Gallery (for free! bless you) last weekend for the first time, after having lived in London since 2014. Caravaggio stood out among all the genius artists. The absolute privilege it is to have The National Gallery (and so many other world-class institutions) available to us for free cannot be understated. I spent 5 hours there on Saturday and could've spent many more, had I no need to eat. An incredible institution and an incredible artist. "The Supper at Emmaus" impacted me greatly, even being agnostic.

[vanessavasani]

Extraordinary evocation of the life and work of Caravaggio. This is an intellectual crush, by a deeply passionate and clear sighted historian. Just wonderful.

[vawalters]

I love that I can still enjoy this lecture, even though I'm laying in bed in the United States. Someday, I'll make my way to the National Gallery.