Caravaggio comes calling

Strap: Once lost, now found — the 1606 Caravaggio masterpiece Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy opens at NGMA today!

Byline: Bindu Gopal Rao

Bangalore, brace yourself for a rare brush with Baroque brilliance! One of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s most evocative works — Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy — is making its way to the city. The Italian master, known for revolutionising art with his dramatic use of light and shadow, left behind few works — and this one is among his most haunting.

After a celebrated run at Delhi’s Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, the painting now travels to Bangalore, giving the city a chance to experience a piece of 17th-century genius up close. We asked local art lovers what it means to host a Caravaggio.

‘World’s noticing our art community’

“Having Mary Magdalen in Ecstasy by Caravaggio come to Bangalore is truly special. It’s not every day that a Baroque-era masterpiece arrives in our city. Caravaggio’s work is powerful, emotional, and deeply human—and to witness it up close is an experience that will linger with viewers. For Bengaluru’s art scene, this is a landmark moment. It shows the world is taking note of our growing community of art lovers, collectors, and creatives. It’s also a rare opportunity for young artists and students to be inspired by a work that has influenced centuries of painting. At Gallery G, we’re proud to see Bengaluru host something so iconic. It’s a sign of how far we’ve come.”

Gitanjali Maini, Managing Director, Gallery G

 ‘Rare chance to experience masterwork in person’

“This is a remarkable initiative by Bangalore’s Italian Consul, Alfonso Tagliaferri—bringing an original Caravaggio to India for the very first time. It’s a historic moment, not just for art enthusiasts but for India’s evolving cultural landscape. That Bangalore is hosting a Caravaggio adds weight to our growing presence in the global art space. For city audiences—especially students and young artists—this is a rare chance to experience a masterwork in person. It reflects a broader shift where international art is becoming more accessible, and India is more than ready to receive it.”

Ridhii Paul, Artist & Content Creator

‘This is a bold statement’

“The arrival of Mary Magdalen in Ecstasy in Bangalore isn’t just a rare artistic event—it’s a cultural milestone. For a city known more for its tech and craft beer scenes, this is a bold statement – Bangalore is growing into a multidimensional cultural capital. Caravaggio’s emotive use of light and shadow, his raw humanism, and the charged intimacy of his subjects provoke a kind of introspection that feels both ancient and urgent. For local artists, it’s a masterclass in storytelling through realism. For collectors and connoisseurs, it signals that the global art world is finally looking at the city not just as an audience—but as a participant in the global cultural dialogue.”

Vinay Chandrashekar, Founder, Long Boat Brewing Co.

‘One loaned painting won’t change India’s art scene’

I saw Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy at the Kiran Nadar Museum in Delhi. With grand architecture and heavy security, the space felt more intimidating than welcoming. Inside a dim room, the painting stood behind arches, watched closely by two guards. Magdalene appears lost in rapture—spiritual or sexual, depending on how you see it. Yes, Caravaggio’s art is powerful. But do we really need to overperform our praise? One loaned painting won’t change India’s art scene overnight. Maybe it’s time we spent less on shipping Old Masters and more on supporting local talent. Cultural pride shouldn’t depend on foreign validation.

Aastha Chauhan, Artist and Curator

‘Hope, this isn’t a one-off’

Caravaggio’s Mary Magdalen in Ecstasy coming to NGMA is a thrilling moment for the city. It sets a new benchmark—not just for what we can expect, but what we should demand in terms of world-class art. Having a masterpiece like this in a public institution makes it accessible to all Bangaloreans. Caravaggio’s dramatic lighting, realism, and divine subject matter will offer powerful contrast when viewed alongside Indian modernists. Hopefully, this isn’t a one-off. It should open the door to more iconic works—historic and contemporary—coming to Bangalore, giving the city a richer, more global artistic perspective.”

Neeti Gokhalay Kheny, ceramic artist

‘This exhibition raises the bar’

“Presenting a masterpiece like Caravaggio’s Mary Magdalen in Ecstasy is both an immense privilege and a serious curatorial responsibility. It’s not just about showcasing a historic work—it marks a pivotal cultural moment, signalling a new chapter for the arts in India. For Bangalore, it affirms that our collectors, institutions, and audiences are no longer just eager for world-class art—they’re ready to engage critically and meaningfully with the global canon. This exhibition raises the bar. It opens the door for more ambitious, globally relevant art programming and sets the tone for future collaborations that reflect India’s evolving cultural confidence.

Farah Siddiqui, Founder, Cultivate Art