Caravaggio’s Boy with a Basket of Fruit Makes Historic Journey to New York
(by Alessandra Baldini) In a groundbreaking exhibition, the iconic painting “Boy with a Basket of Fruit” by Caravaggio has traveled from the Borghese Gallery in Rome to the JP Morgan Library in New York, marking its first appearance in the United States in nearly 40 years. This masterpiece, created in 1595, is widely regarded as Caravaggio’s first true masterpiece, according to curator John Marciari. Rather than borrowing other works by the artist from US museums, Marciari opted to showcase the painting alongside other influential works, highlighting Caravaggio’s revolutionary impact on the art world.
A Watershed Moment in Western Art
The exhibition features a carefully curated selection of 13 paintings, including works that preceded and followed Caravaggio’s innovative style. By placing “Boy with a Basket of Fruit” in context, Marciari aims to illustrate the seismic shift that Caravaggio’s work represented in the history of Western art. As the museum director Colin Bailey noted, “JP Morgan loved Italy and the history of Italian art,” making this exhibition a fitting tribute to the institution’s founder. Marciari emphasized the significance of the painting, stating, “It is not a portrait, nor is it an allegory. Seeing this painting in its context means understanding the revolution that it represents.”
Uncovering Caravaggio’s Influences
To provide a deeper understanding of Caravaggio’s artistic development, the exhibition explores his roots in Lombard naturalism and his native Milan, where he completed his apprenticeship. The painting “Girl with Cherries,” dated to around 1495 and attributed to Marco d’Oggiorno, a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci, is included as an example of the earlier influences that shaped Caravaggio’s style. Other notable works on display include “Drinking Boy” by Carracci (1583) and “The Four Seasons in a Head” by Arcimboldo (1590), which demonstrate the artistic currents that Caravaggio drew upon and transformed. The exhibition concludes with a portrait of Scipione Borghese by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, highlighting the cardinal’s role as a collector and patron who played a significant part in the history of the Borghese Gallery.
A Historic Exhibition
The “Boy with a Basket of Fruit” will remain on display at the JP Morgan Library until April 19th, offering a rare opportunity for American audiences to experience Caravaggio’s groundbreaking work in person. This exhibition is a testament to the enduring power of Caravaggio’s art and the ongoing relevance of his innovative style. For more information, please visit the Here