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1593

Roman fever: six months in hospital

Caravaggio fell ill with 'Roman fever' (malaria) and spent six months in hospital between life and death. Possibly under the impression of the illness he painted the 'Sick Bacchus', his first self-portrait.

1593

In the workshop of Cesari d'Arpino

Caravaggio joined the workshop of Cesari d'Arpino, who had him paint flowers and leaves on his frescoes; there the young provincial met influential patrons and artists, among them Jan Brueghel the Elder. In the same years, after yet another brawl, he landed in the Tor di Nona prison, where he met Giordano Bruno, and soon broke with d'Arpino.

autumn 1594

Under the patronage of Cardinal del Monte

Caravaggio began working on commissions for Cardinal Francesco del Monte and moved into his residence, the Madama, where he met Galileo Galilei, Tommaso Campanella, Giacomo della Porta and the poets Marino and Milesi. The period proved highly productive for him.

1594

First mention in Roman records

Caravaggio's name, listed with that of his partner Prospero Orsi, appears among the 'assistants' of a procession in honour of Saint Luke — ostensibly the first archival reference to the artist in Rome. Orsi, already established in the profession, introduced him to influential collectors.

1595

Refused admission to the Academy of Saint Luke

Despite recommendations from Orazio Gentileschi, Grammatica and Prospero Orsi, Caravaggio was refused admission to the Academy of Saint Luke. His chief opponent was its president, Federico Zuccaro, who put the success of his pictures down to a mere 'touch of novelty' prized by rich patrons.

25 June 1599

Contract for the Contarelli Chapel

A contract was signed to decorate the Contarelli family chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi with canvases of scenes from the life of Saint Matthew, for 400 scudi. The commission was presumably arranged through Cardinal del Monte.