From Rome with love: Caravaggio's $50-million painting debuts in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: For the first time ever, a painting attributed to the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio has arrived in Bengaluru, offering the city's art enthusiasts a rare chance to witness the dramatic intensity and emotional realism that reshaped Western art.
The painting, which is 419 years old, is a $50 million masterpiece.
The work — Maddalena in Estasi (Magdalene in Ecstasy) — is now on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Vasanth Nagar. The arrival of the painting, previously housed only in European collections, signals a growing effort to make globally significant art accessible across India, beyond the usual cultural hubs.
Andrea Anastasio, director of the Italian Cultural Centre (Delhi), told TOI: "This painting captures a moment of rapture, Magdalene's emotional response after seeing the risen Christ.
It reflects that intense emotional state when joy and pain blur because the feeling is too powerful to hold. Caravaggio's composition deepens this impact. Her body lies on a diagonal, three-quarters turned toward us. The lower half is detailed, the upper half dark and empty, drawing us into her experience.
It shows how art can merge beauty with emotional truth."
As to why the painting, created in 1606, is debuting in Bengaluru, Anastasio said: "The choice is personal, too.
I lived in this city for 10 years. Bengaluru has a unique energy and an intellectual openness that's hard to miss. There's a growing appetite here for meaningful, global cultural experiences, and this city deserves to be part of that conversation."
Alfonso Tagliaferri, consul general of Italy in Bengaluru, said, "One might wonder why it took so long for us to bring this masterpiece to India. It's extremely rare for Caravaggio's works to leave the museums they're housed in; many are simply too fragile or too important to be moved.
This painting is one of the very few still in private hands, rediscovered only a decade ago. That's what made this moment possible. A year and a half ago, we opened the consulate general here.
We're committed to building stronger ties with South India, and bringing a $50 million masterpiece here is a gesture of friendship, of cultural diplomacy."
Sophisticated, but relatable
"Caravaggio is one of the greatest names in Italian — and world — art history," Tagliaferri said.
"He completely changed how we paint biblical scenes. Before him, the Renaissance tradition made people look idealised, clean, graceful, perfect. Caravaggio painted raw human emotion. His figures had dirt under their nails. Their pain was visible; their joy, too. The light in his work is dramatic, almost cinematic; it feels like theatre or film.
In a way, it's very contemporary. You could even say it's Instagrammable."
"That's what makes him so special, he speaks to everyone," he added. "It is complex, sophisticated, but instantly relatable. You don't need to know art history to feel something when you see his work. And that's why we're so thrilled people in Bengaluru now get to experience this up close."
Alongside the painting, visitors can experience a specially designed virtual reality installation that brings Caravaggio's world to life.
This immersive experience offers art enthusiasts a deeper, more personal engagement with the artist's work, techniques, and influence.
Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, director general of NGMA, said, "Bringing this painting to Bengaluru is a cultural moment for the city. For the first time, Bengalureans can see a work attributed to Caravaggio. This showcase honours his creative legacy, which continues to shape global art history even centuries later.
We believe this exhibition will have a lasting influence, not only on seasoned art lovers but also on young minds.
We're expecting a strong turnout from students, scholars, and the wider public, people from all walks of life curious about how powerful art can transcend time, geography, and belief."
The exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday (June 14) to July 6, between 10am and 6pm, at NGMA.
Follow more information on
Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here
. Get
real-time live updates
on rescue operations and check
full list of passengers onboard AI 171
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Kylie Minogue cancels four shows of Tension Tour due to illness; apologizes to fans
Singer Kylie Minogue has cancelled four of her upcoming shows due to illness. The Australian pop icon recently performed in the UK as part of her Tension Tour, her first in seven years. In a post on social media, Kylie Minogue said that she was cancelling four upcoming shows in Europe due to laryngitis, which had led to inflammation of her vocal chords. The pop star was supposed to perform next in Berlin. In a post on X and Instagram, Kylie Minogue wrote that the shows would be rescheduled as soon as possible and advised her fans to hold on to their concert tickets. The Padam Padamsinger wrote that she had tried to recover quickly for the next concert on Monday but it would still take her some time to recover enough to perform on stage. 'I'm so, SO sorry! I have no choice but to postpone the shows in Berlin, Lodz, Kaunas and Tallinn as scheduled,' Kylie added. The Australian pop singer's ongoing tour follows the success of 2023 track Padam Padam. Following the European leg of her tour, Minogue plans to hold concerts in Mexico and South America. Kylie Minogue had recently performed for four nights at London's O2 Arena. According to Billboard, she became the first female performer to join the prestigious '21 Club' at the venue after staging 21 or more sold-out shows at the O2. The actor and songwriter first performed at the venue in 2008. Minogue dropped a post on Instagram to celebrate the momentous occasion, expressing her delight at joining a select group of performers, including Prince. A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) This was another feat for Minogue, coming on the heels of a star in her honor at the Melbourne Park sporting complex in February. Apart from that, she also starred in the Netflix detective comedy, The Residence, portraying herself. The plot revolves around a murder at the White House that occurs just as Minogue is performing at the venue. Yes, the singer was diagnosed with laryngitis, forcing her to cancel four concerts. Yes, she was part of the Netflix comedy-drama. The 56-year-old singer's Tension Tour is currently underway.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Where to watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in Dubai: Top sports bars, cafés & pubs to watch every game live
Dubai club Al Ain will face Manchester City on June 23 at 5 AM GST in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 prepares to kick off in the United States on June 15, fans across Dubai are gearing up for what promises to be a month-long celebration of football at its finest. This year marks a major milestone: the tournament's first-ever 32-team format, bringing it on par with the FIFA World Cup in scale and spectacle. And this edition isn't just special because of its size, UAE club Al Ain FC is one of the contenders, facing none other than Manchester City in a Round-of-32 showdown. The match will air live at 5.00am UAE time on June 23, one of several early kickoffs caused by the time difference with the U.S. Other high-profile clubs participating include 15-time European champions Real Madrid, current European champions PSG, and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami , making the competition one of the most prestigious football events ever staged at club level. While the majority of matches will air in Dubai between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM GST, the early morning fixtures (including Al Ain vs Man City , two Round-of-16 clashes, and one quarter-final) present unique viewing challenges. Still, Dubai, with its dynamic hospitality scene, is stepping up with a wide selection of sports bars, pubs, and cafés broadcasting every minute live, complete with giant screens, themed food and drinks, and festive matchday atmospheres. Below is a detailed breakdown of the best places in Dubai to watch the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, whether you're a die-hard supporter, a casual viewer, or just looking to soak in the vibe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вот что поза во сне говорит о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo Full List of Dubai Venues Broadcasting FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Belgian Café – Barsha Heights Step into a slice of Europe with Belgian Café's high-energy, beer-forward atmosphere — the perfect fusion of football and culture. From June 15 to July 13, the venue will broadcast every match of the FIFA Club World Cup on two giant projectors and eleven Full HD screens, ensuring you won't miss a single goal, tackle, or VAR controversy. Specials: Themed food and drink offers highlighting Belgian classics. Timings: Daily from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM Location: Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights Best for: Groups looking for a lively, authentic Euro-football vibe. The Irish Village – Garhoud & Studio One This classic Irish pub offers a warm, rustic setting with wide outdoor terraces and indoor seating, perfect for match viewing any time of day. With matches airing throughout the evening and some in the early morning, The Irish Village's flexible hours and expansive layout make it an ideal match hub. Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM Friday to Saturday: Until 2:00 AM Locations: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City Best for: Traditional pub ambience with good food and long hours. CLAW BBQ – JBR & The Palm With two buzzing locations, CLAW BBQ is a haven for football fans who also love American-style grills and interactive entertainment. Expect extensive happy hour offers, pool tables, pinball machines, and wall-to-wall sports coverage. JBR Hours: Mon–Thu: 12 PM – 2 AM Fri: 12 PM – 3 AM Sat: 8 AM – 3 AM Sun: 8 AM – 2 AM Location: Pavilion at the Beach, Dubai Marina The Palm Hours: Sun–Thu: 12 PM – 2 AM Fri–Sat: 12 PM – 3 AM Location: The Palm West Beach Best for: Interactive fun + football viewing in a party setting. McGettigan's – Souk Madinat & The Palm This iconic Irish pub chain is practically synonymous with sports in Dubai. Known for its consistent service, lively crowds, and wide screen availability, McGettigan's is a go-to destination for fans who want a reliable football night out. Happy Hour: Available Sunday to Friday Locations: Souk Madinat Jumeirah , and The Factory on The Palm Best for: Familiarity, crowd energy, and solid drinks. Barasti – Le Méridien Mina Seyahi A Dubai institution, Barasti is legendary for its massive outdoor screen and beachfront location. During the Club World Cup, the venue will offer high-top seating, lounge areas, and a colossal central screen for open-air viewing, plus indoor screens in case the weather doesn't cooperate. Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 3 AM Location: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina Best for: Big games, big energy, and big screens. Brighton Rock – JBR Enjoy a slice of British football culture right in the heart of JBR. Brighton Rock offers classic pub meals, British beers, and all the matches shown across multiple TVs. Happy Hour specials run until 8 PM daily, making it a great place for early evening games. Hours: Mon–Thu: 2 PM – 3 AM Fri–Sat: 12 PM – 3 AM Sun: 12 PM – 1 AM Location: Hilton Dubai The Walk Best for: A cozy, football-first experience. Coterie Social – IBN Battuta Mall A modern bar-meets-diner concept, Coterie Social is armed with 19 HD screens, and its comfy booths and bar stools make it ideal for long evenings of back-to-back matches. Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 2 AM Location: Level 2, IBN Battuta Mall Best for: All-day watching with a British twist on comfort food. Brooklyn Bar – Al Barsha Stylish and efficient, Brooklyn Bar packs multiple screens into a compact setting. With a premium draught selection and regular food deals, it's popular among locals for its casual vibe. Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 3 AM Location: Elite Byblos Hotel , Al Barsha Best for: Quiet weekday matches, drinks with friends. 71 Sports Bar – DAMAC Hills Set within the Trump International Golf Club, this bar features classic pub games like pool, and comfortable leather seating for a more upscale but relaxed game-watching night. Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 12 AM Location: DAMAC Hills Best for: Group hangouts and early games. Garden on 8 – Media One Hotel A favourite in Media City, Garden on 8 has a laid-back terrace decked out with giant screens and serves classic burgers, pizzas, and hearty pub fare. Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 2 AM Location: Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City Best for: Terrace viewing and relaxed dining. Bedrock – Pier 7, Marina Promenade This ultra-modern sports bar blends sports tech and casual hangout space, with 20 TVs, a golf simulator, and darts. It's a fresh take on the classic bar setup. Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 2 AM Location: Pier 7, Dubai Marina Best for: A premium tech-infused sports experience. Fibber Magee's – Sheikh Zayed Road This long-time favourite has a loyal crowd, strong Guinness pours, and is one of the few places with early morning hours that suit 5 AM match viewings. Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 3 AM Location: Saeed Tower 1, Sheikh Zayed Road Best for: Morning matches like Al Ain vs Man City. Lock, Stock & Barrel – JBR LSB is known for going big on sports, expect giant projection screens, booming audio, and roaring fans. From June 14, matches will be shown daily from 5 PM onwards. With beach views and bar bites galore, it's one of the city's liveliest football zones. Location: JBR Tip: Arrive early for prime seating. Moon Mood Café – Oud Metha For those seeking a quieter match night, this 24-hour shisha café offers a modest crowd, multiple TVs, and no cover charge (just order anything off the menu). It's particularly ideal for early morning fixtures, like 5 AM kick-offs. Location: Behind Lamcy Plaza, Umm Hurair Road, Oud Metha Atmosphere: Calm, cozy, and football-friendly. Match Timings to Note (UAE / GST) Evening matches: 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM GST (most games) Early kick-offs (5:00 AM GST): Al Ain vs Manchester City Two Round-of-16 matches One quarter-final Whether you're celebrating at a vibrant beachfront bar, gathered with friends at an Irish pub, or catching the game with a shisha in hand at 5 AM, Dubai has a venue for every kind of fan this Club World Cup season. From June 15 to July 13, don't miss a second of the action, wherever you are in the city.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- The Hindu
Caravaggio's Magdalene in Ecstasy travels to Bengaluru
'This is the first time an original Caravaggio has travelled to India,' says Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru, at a press conference preceding the unveiling of Magdalene in Ecstasy by Renaissance artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio in Bengaluru at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). 'It defines a very good moment of the bilateral relations that we are living in now,' he adds. The painting depicts Mary of Magdala in a state of almost-erotic spiritual rapture, semi-reclining, draped in scarlet robes with bared shoulders and flowing auburn hair, against a dark background: an especially pronounced use of the classic chiaroscuro technique of Renaissance art called tenebrism, which he is often credited as having introduced. 'Art historians, when they talk of Caravaggio, quite often use the term realist, but the correct definition would be theatricality — the way he composed paintings was very theatrical,' explains Andrea Anastasio, Director of the Italian Cultural Centre, who was also present at the press conference. 'Of course, there is a lot of reality because he painted with real models, which sometimes generated trouble,' says Anastasio. For instance, in his famous painting of a dying Madonna, The Death of the Virgin, he is believed to have used a prostitute, 'and that caused a lot of noise in the public… the church refused to take the painting.' Caravaggio, he continues, radically changed art, particularly because of the way he used light. 'We have to keep in mind that there is a pre-Caravaggio and post-Caravaggio, when it comes to painting in Europe,' he says, pointing out that many artists, including Rembrandt and Velázquez, drew inspiration from his use of light. 'Caravaggism is a fashion where artists used his way of painting pictures and his way of using light.' An important artist Magdalene in Ecstasy is believed to have been painted in 1606, while Caravaggio was in hiding, after he had killed a man, Ranuccio Tommason, in a brawl. 'Caravaggio has a troubled, really tragic life,' says Anastasio, adding that the artist was a temperamental man with a difficult childhood. 'You have to keep in mind that, at the age of six, in one day, he lost his father, his aunt, uncle and another very close relative due to plague,' he says. The remaining family left Milan to escape the epidemic, moving to the town of Caravaggio in Bergamo, Lombardy, where he was raised by his mother and, during this period, they appeared to have faced financial strife. His talent, however, by most accounts, was undeniable. According to the Caravaggio foundation's website, in 1584, he started as an apprentice to the Lombard painter Simone Peterzano, a pupil of Titian. By 1592, he had moved to Rome, where he began 'performing hack-work for the highly successful Giuseppe Cesari, Pope Clement VIII's favourite painter,' it states. Within two years, he quit Cesari and decided to make his own way in the world and, over time, became an established name in Italy. But his tempestuous nature meant that he was 'notorious for brawling, even in a time and place when such behaviour was commonplace, and the transcripts of his police records and trial proceedings fill several pages.' By 39, he was dead, passing away under mysterious circumstances in 1610; however, his legacy lives on, and how. 'There are a bunch of artists who are the most important for us (Italians),' says Consul General Tagliaferri, naming some of them. 'Leonardo (da Vinci), Michelangelo, Raphael…after this, I would say, is Caravaggio…very important for us and the history of the world.' Lost and found For centuries, Magdalene in Ecstasy was believed to have been lost to the world, even though 'we knew the painting existed because copies were made,' says Anastasio. Then, in 2014, it was discovered in a private collection of an aristocratic Italian family who had owned it for centuries. 'When the last owner of the painting died, she left nine important paintings from her collection to her nephew and niece. The one who got the painting sent it to be restored, and when it went to the restoration workshop, the restorer suspected it was important.' Further investigations by experts, including the art historian Guglielma Gregori, revealed that it was indeed the missing painting and 'after that the painting has been travelling and has been exhibited in several countries. The reason it is here is the joy of sharing a painting of such an exquisite nature,' he says. The painting, which was first unveiled in India at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Delhi, is accompanied by a VR experience offering visitors a deeper engagement with the artist's work. 'The viewer comes most of the time, knowing very little about the artist or the historical context, so doing it in a way that they would engage is important,' says Anastasio. 'And VR does it in a beautiful way.' For Dr Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General, NGMA, 'this exceptional exhibition of Magdalene in Ecstasy honouring Caravaggio's creative heritage will, in my opinion, have a lasting influence on world art history,' he says. 'For the first time in India, this one-of-a-kind show would draw a sizeable audience of art enthusiasts and spectators from all walks of life, especially academics and students studying the arts.' Magdalene in Ecstasy will be displayed at the National Gallery of Modern Art till July 6
