Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why was Caravaggio repeatedly arrested while living in Rome?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Caravaggio
The Conversion of St. Paul (second version), oil on canvas by Caravaggio, 1601; in Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome.
Caravaggio was frequently arrested in Rome due to his volatile temperament, involvement in the city's "honour culture," and a series of criminal acts that often stemmed from personal vendettas or public disturbances. His behavior was not considered entirely exceptional for the time, as many artists and migrants in Rome engaged in similar feuds and violence, often adhering to a debased code of chivalry where perceived insults were met with force.12
Specific reasons for his arrests included:
- Criminal Libel: In 1603, he was imprisoned following a dispute with rival painter Giovanni Baglione, who accused Caravaggio of composing satiric verses against him.1
- Public Disturbances and Assault: He was arrested for various offenses, such as assaulting a waiter over a food complaint, throwing stones in the street, and using abusive language toward a police officer.1
- Illegal Possession of Weapons: He was repeatedly detained for carrying a sword and dagger in public, which he claimed was his right as a servant to Cardinal del Monte.13
- Vandalism and Harassment: He was arrested for deturpatio (defacing property), which included smearing excrement on a landlady’s door and singing obscene songs, often as revenge for perceived slights.1
- Violent Assault: He was arrested for inflicting grievous bodily harm on others.1
- Murder: In 1606, he killed Ranuccio Tomassoni during a duel, a crime that led to his conviction in absentia and a capital sentence, forcing him to flee Rome.1