The Seven Works of Mercy (Caravaggio)

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The Seven Works of Mercy
Caravaggio - Sette opere di Misericordia.jpg
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions390 cm × 260 cm (150 in × 100 in)
LocationPio Monte della Misericordia, Naples


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.



Bury the dead
Visit the imprisoned, and feed the hungry
On the right, a woman visits an imprisoned deputy and gives him milk from her breast. This image alludes to the classical story of Roman Charity.
Shelter the homeless
Clothe the naked
Visit the sick
Refresh the thirsty


American art historian John Spike notes that the angel at the center of Caravaggio's altarpiece transmits the grace that inspires humanity to be merciful.


Regarding the sharp contrasts of the painting's chiaroscuro, the German art historian Ralf van Bühren explains the bright light as a metaphor for mercy, which "helps the audience to explore mercy in their own lives".[1] Current scholarship has also established the connection between the iconography of "The Seven Works of Mercy" and the cultural, scientific and philosophical circles of the painting's commissioners.[2]



Terence Ward created a biographical thriller of the painting, along with a story of how the painting continues to affect lives today, with his book The Guardian of Mercy: How an Extraordinary Painting by Caravaggio Changed an Ordinary Life Today, released by Arcade Publishing in 2016.[4]


  2. ^ Giardino, Alessandro (2017). "The Seven Works of Mercy". Aries. 17 (2): 149–170. doi:10.1163/15700593-01600100.
  3. ^ "About the play | the Seven Acts of Mercy | Royal Shakespeare Company".
  4. ^


See also[edit]