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polity papal statesconcept:era early modern

Narcissus

Oil on canvas (c.1597–1599), attributed to Caravaggio, depicting the youth Narcissus kneeling over a pool gazing at his reflection. A rare mythological subject for Caravaggio, notable for its circular composition and psychological intensity. Held at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica (Palazzo Corsini), Rome.

Scholarly Significance

Caravaggio's sole known mythological subject; attribution is documented but has been occasionally disputed.

Notes

  • ·One of very few mythological subjects by Caravaggio; most of his oeuvre is religious or genre.
  • ·The attribution to Caravaggio has been generally accepted since the 20th century, though occasionally disputed.
  • ·Source: Ovid, Metamorphoses III:339–510.
  • ·The circular composition — Narcissus and his reflection forming an almost perfect oval — is unique in Caravaggio's oeuvre.
  • ·The reflective pool acts as a mirror; the dark background and concentrated lighting are characteristic Caravaggesque devices.
  • ·Acquired for the Galleria Nazionale in 1916.