Join Dr Elizabeth Currie to gain fresh perspectives on some of Caravaggio’s best known paintings, and the life experiences of those depicted.

Caravaggio gained a reputation for drawing inspiration from Rome’s rowdy and often violent street life, but how accurate were his representations of the people around him? Discover how Caravaggio blended reality and imagination to portray members of the urban poor, from soldiers and sex workers to fortune tellers and beggars.

Following the talk, Dr Currie will sign copies of her new book, Street Style: Art and Dress in the Time of Caravaggio, (Reaktion Books), 2025.

About the speaker: Dr Elizabeth Currie is an author and lecturer specialising in Italian art and fashion history. She teaches at Central Saint Martins and is a Visiting Research Fellow at the V&A Museum. Her publications include Fashion and Masculinity in Renaissance Florence (2016).

Take part at the museum: Join us at the museum for this special talk, followed by drinks, book signing and after-hours access to our new exhibition, Caravaggio’s Cupid, until 20.45.

Watch online: This talk will also be broadcast live from the museum. Online ticketholders will be emailed a link to join 24 hours in advance. Ticketholders will also receive a link to view a recording of the talk, which will be available for two weeks.