Rivalry on the Roman Scene: Guido Reni’s Brushes versus Caravaggio’s Fists
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Copyright (c) 2025 Daniel M. Unger
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13138/2039-2362/3618Keywords:
Caravaggio, Guido Reni, Malvasia, Crucifixion of St. PeterAbstract
An anecdote written by Carlo Cesare Malvasia highlights the kind of relationship that existed between Guido Reni and Caravaggio. Malvasia states in his 1678 Felsina pittrice that Reni arrived in Rome on the invitation of Cavalier d’Arpino and that he was commissioned to make the Crucifixion of St. Peter for San Paolo alle Tre Fontane, which he used as an opportunity to practise his Caravaggesque manner. Caravaggio was displeased and blamed Reni for stealing his style and colouring. He warned him not to show himself near him or he would have to bear the consequences; “he would be glad to fight not with his brush, but with his fists.” In this article, I want to follow Malvasia and ask what reason Caravaggio may have had to be furious with Reni. This kind of anecdote outlines a certain aspect of early modern artistic culture that reveals the kind of rivalries that existed between painters. Malvasia’s anecdote may also be regarded as a case study as to how should we approach Malvasia and his writings.
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