24. Napoli - Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte (including one Caravaggio, a A Gentileschi and a Brueghel)

The purpose of our visit was to look at two paintings we've longed to see for ages - Caravaggio's Flagellation (160710) and Atemisia Gentileschi's Judith Slaying Holofernes (1597-1651)

There is an amazing lot of other magnificent works of art, brilliantly displayed as well; it ranks as one of the best art museums I have visited. There are some Brueghels which can take your breath away. Amid more "usual suspects" - cricifixions, annunciations etc, there is a painting The Blind Leading The Blind by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, which is beautifully rendered. It is a subject I haven't seen in art before. There's also his Misanthrope.

The Cravaggio is hung in isolation at the end of a very long corridor. As you appraoch, it is framed by innumerable doorwars and arches. The lighting is dramatic. The whole effect is quite breathtaking and derserving of this powerful and dramatic work.

The Royal Palace of Capodimonte was built by Charles VII Bourbon as a hunting lodge, starting in 1738. Charles inherited his mother, Elisabetta farnese's art collection. 17th century artists and travellers flocked to look at it. Visits were halted during French rule (1806-15) when the palace became the residence of Joseph Bonaparte and Joachim Murat.

In 1860, the Galleria d'Arte Moderne was established.


Below: I forget who these were by, but they impressed me!

Below: Caravaggio's Flagellation
Below: Artemisia Gentileschi Judith Slaying Holofernes
Below: Pieter Brueghel the Elder - The Blind Leading the Blind