by InTrieste
In a rare and fleeting opportunity for art lovers, one of the world’s most revered masterpieces, Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ in the Garden, is now on display at the Carigo Foundation in Gorizia. The exhibition, which opened on Tuesday, offers visitors a chance to experience the Baroque master’s dramatic chiaroscuro up close—before the painting is withdrawn from public view for an extended period.
The unveiling was attended by regional officials, including the Vice Governor for Culture of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Mario Anzil, who underscored the emotional and intellectual depth of the piece. “Experiencing a masterpiece like this is not a passive act; it is an immersion in an emotional, subjective, and deeply personal journey,” the official said. “This is an opportunity that will leave a lasting imprint on cultural memory.”
The exhibition, housed in the Carigo Foundation’s historic venue on Via Carducci, is free to the public. Dignitaries present at the opening included the Prefect and Police Chief of Gorizia, as well as representatives from the city’s Department of Culture.
A Cultural Milestone for a Cross-Border Capital
The Vice Governor emphasized the significance of the exhibition within the broader cultural landscape of Gorizia and its twin city, Nova Gorica, which together will serve as the European Capital of Culture in 2025. The official framed the exhibition as part of a larger mission: to transform Gorizia into a dynamic hub where visitors engage with art as a living experience rather than a relic of the past.
“This is what a European Capital of Culture should achieve: the creation of moments that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally profound,” the official added.
A Symbolic Connection to Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Regional Councillor for State Property and Information Services, also present at the event, reflected on the painting’s symbolism. He drew attention to the figure of Saint John, depicted in the painting as a bearer of light—an emblem that, not coincidentally, mirrors the eagle found in Friuli Venezia Giulia’s coat of arms. “This parallel underscores our region’s commitment to cultural promotion on an international scale,” he noted.
The GO! 2025 initiative, which will highlight Gorizia and Nova Gorica’s shared heritage, aims to use cultural programming as a bridge between Italy and Slovenia. This Caravaggio exhibition, regional officials argued, is a prime example of how world-class art can serve as a catalyst for cross-border engagement.
A Last Chance to See a Masterpiece
For those who have never stood before a Caravaggio, the opportunity is as rare as it is revelatory. The painter’s signature use of light and shadow, his almost theatrical staging, and the raw emotion of his figures continue to captivate audiences centuries after his time.
Regional leaders expressed gratitude to the Carigo Foundation for making the exhibition possible, acknowledging its role in bringing a masterpiece of this magnitude to the public. But the clock is ticking—soon, The Taking of Christ in the Garden will once again vanish from public display. For those who wish to see it, Gorizia is now the place to be, before this extraordinary piece of art history slips back into the shadows.
