Narcissuss
c. 1597-1599 Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome
About this artwork
This painting depicts Narcissus, a figure from Greek mythology, gazing intently at his own reflection in a pool of water, a scene inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses. The artwork is characterized by Caravaggio's signature chiaroscuro, creating a dramatic contrast between light and shadow.
Did you know?
Caravaggio's 'Narcissus' is a masterpiece of early Baroque painting, showcasing his revolutionary use of tenebrism to heighten the psychological intensity of the scene. The myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own image and ultimately wasted away, serves as a timeless allegory for self-absorption and vanity. This painting is one of the few surviving mythological works by Caravaggio, making it a significant piece in his oeuvre.
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Narcissuss
Michelangelo da Caravaggio, c. 1597-1599
