The Fortune Teller
c. 1594-1595 Capitoline Museums
About this artwork
This painting depicts a richly dressed young man having his palm read by a young woman, often identified as a Gypsy fortune teller. The scene subtly portrays an act of deception as she discreetly removes a ring from his finger while he is distracted.
Did you know?
Caravaggio's "The Fortune Teller" is considered one of his earliest genre paintings, marking a departure from traditional religious or mythological subjects. It showcases his revolutionary use of realism and psychological depth, portraying an ordinary street scene with gripping intensity. This painting helped establish his reputation and greatly influenced the development of Baroque art by bringing everyday life to the forefront of artistic representation.
On your wall. Unlock the 4K download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
The Fortune Teller
Michelangelo da Caravaggio, c. 1594-1595