The Comeback of Caravaggio's "Martyrdom of Saint Ursula" and the Revitalized Exhibition
Caravaggio's last masterpiece, the "Martyrdom of Saint Ursula," has returned to Naples after the "Caravaggio 2025" exhibition in Rome. It is now displayed at the Gallerie d'Italia in a newly designed setting that enhances visitor experience with improved lighting and design.
Karen Phillips
8/1/20251 min read
Where
When
From August 1, 2025
Caravaggio's final masterpiece, the "Martyrdom of Saint Ursula," has made its way back to Naples after being showcased at the "Caravaggio 2025" exhibition in Rome's Barberini Corsini National Galleries. It's now on display at the Gallerie d'Italia, in a newly revamped setting designed to offer visitors an immersive experience, thanks to enhanced museum lighting and design.
To preserve this masterpiece, it underwent a meticulous cleaning by restorers Laura Cibrario and Fabiola Jatta at the Gallerie d’Italia in Naples. This restoration brought out three previously faded figures, reviving the vividness of Caravaggio's work. A special climate frame has been added to maintain the perfect conditions for the painting, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The painting's return is highlighted by a new path leading to its display room, enhancing the visitor experience. As guests make their way to the first floor, where Caravaggio's iconic work is showcased, they pass through Jacopo Foggini’s installation, "The Cloud and the Shadow." This site-specific piece aims to create an engaging journey, enriching the space leading to the Caravaggio Room.
Foggini’s installation envelops the staircase with "shrouds of red clouds," forming a suspended realm that guides visitors. The red hue, mirroring the drape in the painting, draws a connection between the works. The installation, like a three-dimensional drawing, highlights the staircase's ascent with purplish reflections, leading visitors into a different realm and preparing them for the "Martyrdom of Saint Ursula."