#caravaggio

#caravaggio

A painting so outrageous, or maybe so outstanding, that it had to be hidden behind a curtain has gone on display in London, without a curtain. This is Amor Vincit Omnia, far better known as Caravaggio's Cupid, and when it was painted in 1601-02, it was a radically shocking painting. Not just for the male nudity, which was commonplace on statues, but rarer in paintings.

Not only is the painting-along with 39 others by Caravaggio and an international cast of Caravaggisti, as the Baroque artist's followers are known-making a rare trip from Florence to the U.S., it is presented unconserved, in its original state. "Maybe the varnish is a little yellow, or there are a few scratches," Thomas explains. "But you are seeing the brilliance of the artist's hand, which is unsullied and untouched."