Caravaggio's Magdalene in Ecstasy showcased in India for the first time

The Hindu

01-05-2025

Inside the dimly lit gallery at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Saket, a painting stands illuminated, as if lit from within. Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy by Italian artist Caravaggio is a masterpiece long considered lost to history. It has finally arrived in Delhi and brought with it an extraordinary tale of art, life, and rediscovery.
Every brushstroke reveals the raw intensity of human emotion, every shadow deepens the mystery, and every gleam of light whispers of transcendence.
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio's name stirs images of drama, passion, and unparalleled artistry. Known for his raw realism and revolutionary use of light and shadow, Caravaggio painted life as it was, unfiltered and unidealised.
As Chief Curator, KNMA, Roobina Karode, describes, 'Caravaggio's work brought art closer to the ground and to people's lived experiences. He was a master of light and shadow, demanding undivided attention. Every brushstroke reveals the raw intensity of human emotion, every shadow deepens the mystery, and every gleam of light whispers of transcendence.'
But Caravaggio's own life mirrored the tumult of his works. In 1606, accused of murder and fleeing for his life, he painted Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy. It was created in exile, a poignant portrayal of spiritual transcendence born from personal chaos.
The painting, however, disappeared for centuries. Its rediscovery in 2014, authenticated by leading historians, was nothing short of a miracle. This work, once shrouded in mystery, is now here for the first time in India.
Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli says, the landmark exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the mastery of one of the Baroque era's most influential artists. 'Caravaggio upended the traditional canons of his time, introducing models from real life and cinematic lighting in his works.'
The beauty of Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy lies in its striking contrasts and lifelike details. Her peaceful expression is set against the dramatic play of light and shadow that Caravaggio is famous for. The folds of her robe look soft and real, while her glowing skin seems almost alive in the gentle light. Her half-closed eyes and slightly open lips capture a moment of deep spiritual connection.Every detail pulls the viewer closer to an , emotional experience.
'It was a profoundly calming and spiritual experience. The beauty and depth of the original painting left me in awe, and I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to witness it,' said Narayani Harigovindan, a visitor at the art gallery.
Art has a way of transcending time and place, of connecting us to something larger than ourselves. According to Kiran Nadar, Founder of KNMA, the masterpiece offers the audience a chance to engage with a legacy that has fascinated generations. 'It's a bridge between cultures, a moment to experience the transformative power of art, she says.'
For Delhi's art conoisseurs, the exhibition is an invitation to stand before a piece of history,feel the life pulsing through Caravaggio's work, and reflect on the universality of human emotion.
At KNMA Saket; Till May 18; 10.30am to 6.30pm