The Seven Works of Mercy

"The Seven Works of Mercy" is a masterpiece by Caravaggio located on the main altar of a church in Naples. It is considered the largest and most important painting by Caravaggio in Naples. The work depicts the seven corporal and spiritual works of mercy, which are a series of acts of charity mentioned in the Christian tradition. The seven corporal works of mercy include feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the traveler, visiting the sick, visiting the prisoners, and burying the dead. The seven spiritual works of mercy include instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, admonishing sinners, comforting the afflicted, forgiving offenses, bearing wrongs patiently, and praying for the living and the dead. This work by Caravaggio has elicited great admiration, and in the gallery of the place, there is even a fake cupboard from which the governors could admire it.