The Museum and Royal Wood of Capodimonte has opened its doors to a major exhibition dedicated to Pieter Paul Rubens, highlighting the painting “Saint Sebastian Healed by Angels”. Coming from the National Galleries of Ancient Art in Rome, the painting will be exhibited in Naples starting March 11. The canvas, dating back to 1601-1602, illustrates the martyr Saint Sebastian in the moment following his first martyrdom, aided by angels.
Rubens' Masterpiece in Dialogue with Other Works
In addition to the opportunity to admire Rubens' masterpiece, the exhibition offers an interesting comparative perspective with other works dedicated to the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian present in Capodimonte. Among these, the paintings of important artists such as Domenico Cresti, Bartolomeo Schedoni, Andrea Vaccaro and Mattia Preti allow us to explore the iconography of the martyr through different styles and techniques.
Loans and Collaborations
Along with Rubens, the work “Sacred and Profane Love” by Giovanni Baglione, also remembered for his rivalry with Caravaggio, is exhibited. This adds further value to the artistic exchange between the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica and Capodimonte, which includes promotions and discounts for visitors. Director Eike Schmidt highlighted the importance of these collaborations to stimulate new interpretations. In view of the Jubilee 2025, several masterpieces will find a place in other prestigious venues, as evidenced by the presence of Caravaggio’s “The Flagellation” at Palazzo Barberini. Such collaborations between Italian museum institutions aim to offer significant benefits to the public, promoting a wider enjoyment of the national artistic heritage.
Article published on March 11, 2025 - 18pm
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