Portrait of Fra Antonio Martelli
c. 1608 Pitti Palace, Florence
About this artwork
This powerful portrait depicts Fra Antonio Martelli, a Florentine knight of the Order of Malta, identifiable by the prominent white Maltese cross on his black habit. The painting showcases Caravaggio's characteristic use of chiaroscuro to create dramatic light and shadow.
Did you know?
Caravaggio painted this portrait during his tumultuous stay in Malta, a period when he was a knight of the Order of St. John, having fled Rome after committing murder. His time on the island was marked by both artistic prolificacy and personal conflict, eventually leading to his imprisonment and escape from Malta.
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Portrait of Fra Antonio Martelli
Michelangelo da Caravaggio, c. 1608
