“The Fortune Teller” (‘La Buona Ventura’) is a painting by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio, created around 1594. It depicts a young, elegantly dressed man having his palm read by a gypsy girl. The scene is deceptive—while appearing innocent, the girl is actually slipping a ring from the young man’s finger, illustrating themes of deception and misplaced trust.
This work is significant because it marks one of Caravaggio’s early genre paintings, showcasing his departure from the idealized style of the Renaissance toward a more naturalistic approach. Instead of grand historical or religious themes, he focused on everyday life and human interaction. The painting also reflects Caravaggio’s innovative use of dramatic lighting and psychological tension, elements that would define his later masterpieces.
Interestingly, Caravaggio painted two versions of “The Fortune Teller”. The first (c. 1594) is in the Capitoline Museums in Rome, while a slightly later version (c. 1595) is housed in the Louvre. The differences between them are subtle, with the later version showing more refined composition and detail.