19 Most Famous Caravaggio Paintings in 2024

The most famous Caravaggio paintings are popular because of the way Caravaggio combined elements of the sacred and the profane in his works of art. Why is Caravaggio so popular? This famous Italian painter has long since been a subject of fascination for art history lovers due to his infamous and often troubled personal life and his revolutionary painting techniques.

Caravaggio’s main claim to fame is his departure from the Renaissance paintings that preceded him. Instead of focusing on the human body in its most perfect form, Caravaggio based the figures in his painting on real life. According to the Art Institute of Chicago, he is best known for “using everyday people as models, captured with all of their flaws.” He drew inspiration from the people who were actually present in his somewhat troubled life.

But what was Caravaggio's life like? This guide to the 19 best Caravaggio paintings will tell you a little bit more about the famous artist’s life, as well as his most famous paintings. 

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• Who Was Caravaggio?
• Why is Caravaggio so popular?
• What is considered Caravaggio's best painting?
• Where can I see Caravaggio paintings in the US?
• 19 Top Caravaggio Paintings

Who Was Caravaggio?

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was born in 1571 in the village of Caravaggio, near Milan. While we know this famous artist as simply "Caravaggio," that is not his given name. Rather, “da Caravaggio” refers to where he was born.

During his lifetime, Caravaggio was most likely called by his full name. However, to avoid confusing Caravaggio paintings with the famous Renaissance painter Michelangelo, art scholars have almost always referred to him by his nickname. 

What was Caravaggio’s life like? Caravaggio’s family was not incredibly wealthy, but they had strong connections to some of the leading families of the day. One of these families, the Colonna family, would become Caravaggio’s patrons and supporters, even when his actions were controversial. 

In 1567, when Caravaggio was just five years old, the plague broke out in northern Italy, and by 1577 Caravaggio’s father and grandfather had both passed on from the disease. 

When Caravaggio was a young teen, he was apprenticed to a painter in Milan. He stayed there for around four years and then disappeared for a while. There are many rumors about his life between 1588 and 1592, but no one knows for sure where Caravaggio was living or what he was doing. 

We do know that in 1592 he had officially moved to Rome and began working in a famous workshop run by Mannerist artist Giuseppe Cesari.

Between 1592 and 1606, Caravaggio worked in Rome, creating religious paintings and other works that showcased his signature style. He was commissioned by powerful church officials to create works of art that can still be seen today in Rome. Throughout this time, rumors continued to fly about his behavior, which are sometimes reflected in the most famous Caravaggio paintings. Finally, in 1606, things took a turn for the worse. 

What did Caravaggio do that was controversial? In 1606, Caravaggio murdered a man named Ranuccio Tomassoni. There are several different possible motives for his actions, but we can’t be sure why he committed this crime. Unfortunately, even Caravaggio’s most powerful patrons couldn’t help him out of this. Caravaggio was forced to flee and live in exile.

During this time of his exile, many more Caravaggio paintings were created. He also joined the Knights of Malta, a Catholic lay religious order, which unfortunately led to more legal troubles for the already turbulent painter. The Knights of Malta were founded in the 11th century to bring aid to sick and injured religious pilgrims, but Caravaggio and some of his Knights of Malta companions got in trouble with the law after breaking into the home of a prominent man. He was arrested and spent some time in jail before escaping and fleeing, once again, to Naples. 

In Naples in 1609, one of the many figures who had been hunting Caravaggio finally found him and attacked him with a knife. He was very disfigured after the attack, and it took a serious toll on his health and his art. After some time spent recovering in Naples, Caravaggio heard a rumor that he might be pardoned for his earlier crimes in Rome.

Eager to return to the city that meant so much to him, Caravaggio boarded a ship and headed back to Rome. Unfortunately, his pardon had not come through, so he was shipped right back to Naples. During the voyage, he became more frail, and he ultimately died of an unknown infection in 1610 at the age of 38.

The short life of Caravaggio was filled with troubles, and we can see these themes and ideas reflected in the typical style of many of the Caravaggio paintings. Because they were true to life, they gained popularity in his time and a legacy that lasted beyond his 38 years and up to today.

Why is Caravaggio so popular?

Most artists develop a signature style throughout their careers. For example, Monet paintings from the Impressionist era are completely different from Warhol paintings that focus on pop art and American consumerism.

The style used in the Caravaggio paintings was, at the time, revolutionary. His use of chiaroscuro, or using a strong contrast between light and dark, helped usher in a new generation of painters. In fact, there is a strong link between Caravaggio and Baroque art. 

The link between light and darkness, sacred and profane, is what makes Caravaggio so popular and what keeps drawing people to his artwork.

What is considered Caravaggio's best painting?

It's hard to determine what Caravaggio’s best painting is, as so much of art is based on subjective preferences. But it is true to say that without Caravaggio paintings, Baroque art would not be possible. Without Caravaggio, the most famous Dutch Golden Age painters like Rembrandt and Vermeer would not have been able to create their masterpieces, along with other famous artists like Diego Velázquez and Peter Paul Rubens. Essentially, a list of some the most expensive paintings ever sold would look a lot different. 

Some of Caravaggio’s most famous works include "Judith Beheading Holofernes", "Young Sick Bacchus", and "Calling of St. Matthew", all of which we will discuss here. 

If you are an aspiring artist, no matter what level of talent and skill you possess, you can gain inspiration by looking at these famous Caravaggio paintings. He might inspire you in your quest to learn beginner’s painting techniques, give you self portrait ideas or even help you understand the different uses and effects of acrylic vs oil paint.

If you ever have the chance to see one of his approximately 90 remaining masterpieces in real life, you should do so!

Where can I see Caravaggio paintings in the US?

To see many of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings, you’ll need to book a trip to some of the art capitals of Europe. Most of Caravaggio’s works are in Rome, with others in Paris, Madrid, London and the Vatican City. However, there are some Caravaggio masterpieces a little bit closer to home for those living in America. 

How many Caravaggio paintings are in the USA? While the exact number varies due to traveling exhibitions, there are six or so Caravaggio paintings that permanently live in the United States. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC to see "The Musicians" and "The Denial of Saint Peter." For those living in Chicago, visit the Art Institute of Chicago to see "Resurrection" and "Madonna and Child."

Not planning a trip to the Big Apple or the Windy City any time soon? There is one Caravaggio painting on display in Hartford, Connecticut, and his famous work "Cardsharps" can be seen in Dallas, Texas. However, you should check in before visiting any museum or gallery as paintings are loaned to other establishments from time to time. 

19 Top Caravaggio Paintings

1. Calling of St. Matthew (1599–1600)

One of the most famous religious Caravaggio paintings, "The Calling of St. Matthew" depicts a moment from the gospels when Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to come and follow Him. Caravaggio painted this work in the middle of his career, when his legal troubles had put him in a difficult spot.

It’s easy to imagine that this painting represents a desire to find light in the middle of darkness. Matthew, in the Biblical account, was redeemed and saved. Perhaps Caravaggio hoped the same thing for himself.

2. Bacchus (1595)

This early oil painting shows a young boy wearing a crown of grape leaves and grapes. He is dressed like the Greek god Bacchus. No one is quite sure who the model for the young boy was, but some art critics have argued that it is an early self portrait of Caravaggio, something that many of the famous Caravaggio paintings have in common.

3. Medusa (1595 -1598)

This is one of the more gory Caravaggio paintings and is made from canvas that is stretched over a wooden shield. Caravaggio chose this round shape to represent the moment in the Medusa myth when she was defeated and beheaded. The Greek hero Perseus knew that looking into Medusa’s eyes would turn him to stone, so he instead used his shield as a mirror and killed her by using the reflection on his shield.

Another intriguing fact about this work of art is that many believe the face of Medusa to actually be Caravaggio’s face. They argue that he used a mirror to perfect the angles of the face in reflection. 

4. The Conversion of Saint Paul (1600)

One of the religious Caravaggio paintings, "The Conversion of Saint Paul" was created to be a fixture in the Cerasi Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Poppolo, a popular stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Rome.

This painting actually represents Caravaggio’s second attempt at the work, as his patrons did not approve of his first try. In the image, we see St. Paul lying on his back on the road to Damascus after having a supernatural encounter with Jesus. 

5. Narcissus (1597 – 1599)

According to mythology, Narcissus was a vain figure who fell in love with his own reflection. In Caravaggio’s take on the myth, there are actually two different reflections; the one Narcissus is looking at, as well as a third reflection meant for the eyes of the viewer. This is another one of the top Caravaggio paintings that shows the artist's work with light and dark, which would become a hallmark of his style over the years. 

6. The Beheading of St John the Baptist (1608)

This violent painting of the moment St. John the Baptist was beheaded is one that holds a special place in Caravaggio’s life story. This is the only painting he ever signed his name to, and it was a painting he created as a passagio, or a painting made in payment by someone who, like Caravaggio, hoped to join the Knights of Malta. Some Caravaggio paintings, like this one, show the artist's use of profane versus sacred. 

7. Basket of Fruit (1596)

One of the most Baroque-influenced Caravaggio paintings, this painting is a still life that shows fruit in a basket. Viewers who look closely, however, will notice that there are signs of decay in this pretty picture. The apple has clearly been eaten by worms, the leaves are dried and even the fruit in the basket is covered in dust. There is more than meets the eye in this picture-perfect still life. 

8. David and Goliath (1599)

Caravaggio painted several images that depict this story from the Old Testament. David, a shepherd boy, follows God and defeats Goliath, a giant enemy fighting against Israel for the Philistines. In this early version, David is seen crouching over the body of Goliath before removing his head. While this painting doesn’t have all of the violence and gore of some of the more gruesome Caravaggio paintings, the viewer knows what is about to happen just the same. 

9. The Entombment of Christ (1603-1604)

Though Caravaggio paintings are often called offensive and profane by many of his contemporaries, this was one of Caravaggio’s most famous works while he was still alive. Caravaggio based his work on Michelangelo’s famous sculpture "Madonna della Pietà," which was one of the most famous works of the Renaissance. In his painting, Caravaggio shows the moment that Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other key figures take Jesus’ lifeless body off the cross and move it to the tomb.

10. Supper at Emmaus (1601)

One of the most famous Caravaggio paintings, this masterpiece was painted in 1601 and is titled "Supper at Emmaus," which visitors to the National Gallery in London can see. This image shows Caravaggio’s use of dark and light as he depicts the miraculous appearance of Jesus to two of his followers after his death and resurrection.

11. David with the Head of Goliath (1607)

This is one of the later religious Caravaggio paintings that shows the moment David defeated the giant Goliath. David, a young shepherd boy, stands holding the bloody severed head of Goliath, whose face in this image is actually a self-portrait of the artist himself. 

12. Judith Beheading Holofernes (1598-99)

As we have seen, Caravaggio didn’t shy away from including difficult images in his body of work. This is one of two major Caravaggio paintings, where he shows Judith, who is a figure in the Catholic Bible. Judith killed an enemy general while he was drunk, and the painting Caravaggio created of this moment doesn’t hold back!

It is quite violent and incorporates sexual overtones, as well. This is truly Caravaggio working in the way that suited him best, combining light and dark, sacred and profane.

13. The Fortune Teller (1594)

There are two different versions of "The Fortune Teller," but both feature a scene that was probably all too common in Caravaggio’s circles. The girl in the painting appears to be telling the fortune of a boy, but in actuality, she is stealing from him.

This is a perfect example of why Caravaggio paintings are heavily criticized. Instead of depicting perfect, idealized religious images, he shows real life, even when it wasn’t so pleasant.

14. The Musicians (1597)

This is one of the earliest Caravaggio paintings showing an allegory — an image with a hidden moral or political meaning. Instead of showing the three musicians in the middle of an emotional performance, Caravaggio shows them rehearsing their works. There is also a small self-portrait of Caravaggio in this image, which shows that, on some level, Caravaggio related to the musicians’ struggle to perfect their craft.

15. The Incredulity of Saint Thomas (1601-1602)

This is one of the Caravaggio paintings that shows incredible emotions through religious significance. After Jesus was resurrected, he appeared to his disciples. Saint Thomas, commonly referred to as ‘Doubting Thomas’ declared that he wouldn’t believe it was Jesus unless he saw the wounds where he had been crucified. In this masterpiece of chiaroscuro painting, Jesus guides Thomas’ hands to his wounds.

16. Crucifixion of St. Peter (1600)

Another religious painting that shows a moment of intense drama is Caravaggio’s painting "Crucifixion of St. Peter." Peter was crucified upside down, and although there is intense emotion in this painting, Peter himself seems very calm in the face of death.

17. The Taking of Christ (1602)

Like "Supper at Emmaus," Caravaggio's famous masterpiece painted in 1601, this religious work showcases Caravaggio’s masterful use of chiaroscuro. In it, we see Judas kissing Jesus on the cheek, a sign of betrayal. Judas was the disciple who led the Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus, and this is the moment Caravaggio depicted in this emotional scene.

Jesus looks tired, and the Roman soldiers’ armor glints in the light as they reach for him. Catholic viewers of this painting in Caravaggio’s day would have immediately understood that this event ushered in the events of Holy Week, ending with Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. By far one of the more touching, and less gruesome, Caravaggio paintings. 

18. Young Sick Bacchus (1593)

If we were to list two major Caravaggio paintings, this painting, one of Caravaggio’s earliest, would certainly be on the list. It shows the Greek God Bacchus, but instead of being happy and full of revelry, Caravaggio’s sick Bacchus looks unhealthy and a bit mad. This is a different take on Greek mythology and shows something almost sinister in a God who is usually portrayed as feasting and creating rowdy fun.

19. Sacrifice of Isaac (1603)

Painted at the high point of Caravaggio’s career, this is another one of the Caravaggio paintings that depicts an emotional scene from the Bible, this time from the Old Testament.

In the book of Genesis, Abraham was called by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a sign of faith. Caravaggio’s painting shows the crucial moment in the story where God stops Abraham from doing this and instead provides a different sacrifice. This is one of Caravaggio’s paintings that had the longest-lasting impact on other Baroque painters, as the use of light and dark is somehow threatening and hopeful at the same time.

We hope this guide to 19 of the best Caravaggio paintings has given you ideas for your next art project, or simply helped you learn a bit more about this famous Italian painter.

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