THE FORTUNE TELLER

The Fortune Teller, painted by Caravaggio between 1593 and 1594, is an oil on canvas that is preserved in the Capitoline Pinacoteca in Rome. The subject depicts a gypsy reading the palm of a young gentleman while stealthily stealing his ring. Acquired by Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte, it was assessed for the Capitoline Museums in 1750. The scene portrays everyday life in Rome, with the charming gypsy capturing the attention of the naive young man and skillfully stealing his ring. The painting, appreciated for its psychological subtlety, features details such as the gypsy's embroidered clothing and the feather in the young man's hat. The scene could be inspired by the Commedia dell'Arte or have a moralistic reading referring to the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The Fortune Teller was a great success and was imitated by other Caravaggio-style artists.