Caravaggio's Narcissus on display at the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Potenza

The arrival of the masterpiece in Basilicata. From September 10 to November 30, 2026, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Potenza welcomes, for the first time in the Lucanian territory, the Narcissus, an iconic work by Caravaggio. The painting, usually kept at the National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini, represents one of the highest expressions of the artist's chiaroscuro poetics and existential reflection. The host venue, a site of fundamental historical value for the regional capital, offers an architectural setting that engages with the city's cultural layers, enhancing the formal rigor of the canvas. ## A journey between myth and modernity. The exhibition does not limit itself to the isolated display of the work, but articulates a multidisciplinary itinerary dedicated to the myth of Narcissus. The visitor is guided through a narrative that weaves the literary suggestions derived from Ovid's Metamorphoses with interpretations offered by contemporary sensibilities. The path utilizes a lighting system designed to emphasize the painting's chromatic contrasts and multimedia content that contextualizes the work within the Lombard master's production. ## The experience of vision. The choice of Potenza as the exhibition venue responds to a precise desire to decentralize major art exhibitions, allowing the public to analyze the psychology of the depicted subject up close. The introspection of young Narcissus, captured in the act of contemplating his own reflected image, becomes the pivot around which philosophical reflections on the nature of identity and the power of pictorial illusion revolve. The exhibition is configured as a synthesis of scientific rigor and popularization, making a deep reflection on the history of Italian art accessible. ## Visit information. The exhibition is open to the public with continuous hours. Online booking is highly recommended to ensure fluid access and to optimize the enjoyment of the multimedia setup. The exhibition catalog, curated by art historians, is available at the Provincial Archaeological Museum bookshop. To check discounted rates for groups and schools or to verify ticket availability in real time, please refer to the museum institution's official information channels.