Rome, 1597

You close the heavy door behind you — Piazza Navona fades into the distance, its clamor muffled by the walls of Palazzo Madama. The silence here is different: thick, charged. You hear the dripping water of a fountain, the rustle of ivy greedily winding itself around the marble columns. The air carries the scent of damp stone and citrus leaves.

Across the courtyard, a large door opens slowly. A servant in velvet nods silently; he knows why you’re here. In your hand, you still feel the parchment — heavy, precious — with the red wax seal bearing the crest of Cardinal Del Monte gleaming faintly in the dim light. A mark few would dare to ignore.

Inside, the salon awaits — a shimmering stage of baroque splendor: gilded frames, crystal decanters, table linen so white it seems light itself has come to rest upon it. The scent of rosemary, roasted artichokes, and freshly baked bread mingles with incense. At the table, soft voices murmur, laughter ripples — yet one chair remains empty.

Caravaggio.

They say he challenged a man to a duel last night. Or that he’s hiding in a tavern somewhere, with wine and wicked intentions. No one knows for sure. But his spirit feels present, restless as the flicker of a candle flame.

And then you see it.

On the wall, half lost in shadow, his work hangs — a body, raw and sacred at once, bathed in light so intense it almost hurts your eyes. The paint seems still wet. You feel your pulse quicken.

Now you understand why all of Rome speaks his name — and why even his absence fills the room.

Services provided by Senspherique:
Storytelling and guest immersion, art-inspired event design (including the creation of custom decor elements), personal planning and communication, interactive guest activity and on-site direction and execution.