Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto

Caravaggio painted Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto on the ceiling of Cardinal Del Monte's alchemical laboratory at the Villa Ludovisi around 1599. This is Caravaggio's only known ceiling painting, and its allegorical subject relates to the alchemical association of the three gods with the elements of air, water, and earth. The commission reflects Del Monte's interest in alchemy and natural philosophy, and Caravaggio's willingness to work in unusual formats for his patron.

The dramatic foreshortening of the three nude figures demonstrates Caravaggio's mastery of perspective, with the gods viewed from below in a sotto in su composition. The naturalistic treatment of anatomy and the bold chiaroscuro are applied to the difficult ceiling format with remarkable success.