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.