Artist and Period

The painting is attributed to Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, an Italian Baroque master known for his innovative use of light and shadow, particularly the technique of chiaroscuro.

Mythological Context

The painting depicts the myth of Narcissus, as told by the Roman poet Ovid in his Metamorphoses. Narcissus, a handsome young man, falls in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, a story that symbolizes self-obsession and the dangers of vanity.

Composition and Style

• The painting features Narcissus kneeling over a pool of water, engrossed in his reflection. The figure is illuminated by a bright light, while the background is dark and void-like, creating a stark contrast that highlights the subject's isolation and introspection.
• The use of chiaroscuro and tenebrism (a more dramatic form of chiaroscuro) creates a three-dimensional effect and emphasizes the emotional depth of the scene.
• Narcissus's posture, with his arms forming a circle around his reflection, symbolizes the endless cycle of self-love and the trap of vanity.

Symbolism

• The reflection in the water serves as a metaphor for self-obsession and the illusionary nature of self-love. It represents Narcissus's unattainable love for his own image, which ultimately leads to his demise.
• The pool of water symbolizes self-reflection and introspection but also the danger of being consumed by one's own image.
• The dark surroundings emphasize the loneliness and emptiness that accompany excessive self-involvement and the blindness to the external world caused by self-absorption.

Historical and Artistic Significance

Narcissus is one of two known paintings by Caravaggio with Classical mythological themes and marks a transition to the early Baroque period, characterized by a more dynamic and emotionally resonant style compared to the High Renaissance. The painting showcases Caravaggio's naturalistic depiction of figures, deviating from the idealized forms common in Renaissance art. It also reflects his influence on the development of Baroque art through his innovative use of light and shadow.

Provenance and Display

The painting is an oil on canvas work, measuring 110 cm x 92 cm, and is displayed at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica in Rome, Italy.

Attribution and Style Consistency

Although there was some question about the painting's attribution to Caravaggio, art scholars have accepted it as one of his works due to its style and iconographic creativity, which align with his other paintings from the same period.