Caravaggio meets Dhurandhar

‘Magdalene in Ecstasy,’ a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece by Caravaggio, with Maharashtrian artist Dhurandhar, showcase intimacy in devotion

- Shloka Shukla

On October 14, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai presented "Linvenzione della luce—the invention of light.” It was inaugurated by Ashish Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs of Maharashtra; the Consul General of Italy, Walter Ferrara; and the Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai, Bhushan Gagrani.

The curatorial finesse of the exhibition lies in its contextual placement, setting ‘Magdalene in Ecstasy,’ ‘Usha and Aniruddha,’ and ‘Banasura’ together. Both Mary Magdalene and Usha derive their persisting grit by defying societal expectations. Through Christian scriptures and Hindu mythology, they speak of the same radical devotion. “Caravaggio’s contemporaneity lies in his innate ability to engage and resonate with the sensibilities of audiences around the world. Linvenzione della luce reflects how art today helps deepen mutual understanding between cultures,” says Francesca Amendola, Director of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai.

Magdalene and Usha