You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Italian. (January 2023) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
The Seven Works of Mercy | |
---|---|
Artist | Caravaggio |
Year | 1607 |
Medium | Oil on canvas |
Dimensions | 390 cm × 260 cm (150 in × 100 in) |
Location | Pio Monte della Misericordia, Naples |
The Seven Works of Mercy (Italian: Sette opere di Misericordia), also known as The Seven Acts of Mercy, is an oil painting by Italian painter Caravaggio, circa 1607. The painting depicts the seven corporal works of mercy in traditional Catholic belief, which are a set of compassionate acts concerning the material needs of others.
The painting was made for, and is still housed in, the church of Pio Monte della Misericordia in Naples. Originally, it was meant to be seven separate panels around the church; however, Caravaggio combined all seven works of mercy in one composition which became the church's altarpiece. The painting is better seen from "il coretto" (the little choir) in the first floor.