Madonna of the Rosary

The "Madonna of the Rosary" is a remarkable painting completed in 1607 by the celebrated Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio. Today, this masterpiece can be admired at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. It stands out as Caravaggio's sole traditional Baroque altarpiece.

The exact commissioner of the painting remains somewhat of a mystery. Some believe it might have been intended for a Dominican church, given the inclusion of Saint Dominic and Saint Peter Martyr of Verona in the piece. A donor figure is also present, who could be Nicholas Radulovic, a merchant from Dubrovnik, or perhaps Luigi Carafa-Colonna, a relative of Martino Colonna.

In the painting, the Madonna is depicted seated on a throne, extending a gesture toward Saint Dominic, who holds a rosary. Kneeling before them are devout followers, and Saint Peter Martyr appears with a distinctive wound on his forehead. Interestingly, the Virgin Mary herself is not directly shown in the painting; her presence is symbolically represented.

Caravaggio likely worked on this piece between January and July of 1607, shortly after completing his "Seven Works of Mercy." However, issues arose with the original commission, and the painting was swiftly put up for sale. It was eventually purchased by a Flemish group that included the renowned artist Rubens. The painting changed hands several times and was even considered by Vincenzo I Gonzaga, the Duke of Mantua, before ultimately being offered to the Dominican church in Antwerp.

The journey and sale of this extraordinary artwork are well-documented in historical letters, including one from Frans Pourbus the Younger to Vincenzo I Gonzaga in September 1607. This correspondence helps piece together the fascinating history of Caravaggio's "Madonna of the Rosary."