This exhibition, organized by the Costruiamo il Futuro Foundation in collaboration with Gallerie d’Italia of Intesa Sanpaolo and Edison, offers a rare opportunity to admire the genius of the seventeenth-century master. This initiative, which also includes educational programs for schools and youth groups, emphasizes the importance of making art as accessible and inclusive as possible.
The city of Merate is delighted to host Caravaggio. The Narcissus of Palazzo Barberini. Great Art in Brianza at Villa Confalonieri. The painting, usually housed at Palazzo Barberini in Rome, presents a unique chance for Caravaggio enthusiasts to view this masterpiece close to the artist’s birthplace.
The project aims to bring art to a broader audience, particularly young people, who will have a direct encounter with the myth depicted by the artist. Curator Giovanni Morale highlighted that the work, based on Ovid’s tale of Narcissus, offers a profound reflection on self-awareness and the complexity of human nature, masterfully conveyed by Caravaggio’s use of light and chiaroscuro.
The exhibition also includes an educational program titled “Caravaggio and Light,” aimed at local schools and youth groups. Through a creative contest funded by a 20,000-euro grant, students are invited to explore the theme of light in their projects. This initiative underscores the educational role of culture, in line with the vision of Francesca Caruso, councilor for culture, and Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, who advocates bringing masterpieces to peripheral areas to highlight truly inclusive culture. This exhibition is a unique occasion for Brianza, which, for the first time in over 20 years, is hosting one of Caravaggio’s most iconic works, drawing attention to a central figure in Italy’s cultural heritage.