Hector Obalk at the Théâtre Libre: a new take on Caravaggio

Hector Obalk continues The Whole History of Painting in Under Two Hours at the Théâtre Libre in Paris during the 2026-2027 season. The cycle offers seven standalone routes, including Caravaggio etc., a new offering devoted to the life of Jesus through painting, from his baptism to his arrest.

Historian and art critic, author of the documentary series Grand’art on Arte, Hector Obalk blends commentary, music and projections of artworks. A screen lets him isolate details from paintings and compare them, guiding the audience through the painters’ choices.

The Leonardo etc., Ingres etc., Monet etc., Bosch etc. and Rembrandt etc. routes sit side by side with the Jesus etc. etc. and Caravaggio etc. proposals. The last two follow the chronology of Christ’s life rather than the order of the paintings. Notably, you’ll find Piero della Francesca, Mantegna, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and Georges de La Tour.

• To be read
• What’s on this week, October 26 to November 1, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France

Each session is a distinct show: the chosen date basically sets the route. Caravaggio etc. is scheduled for October 12, November 2, and December 21, 2026. The season’s calendar also includes Ingres etc. on October 26, Rembrandt etc. on November 9 and 23, and Monet etc. on December 7 and 14.

The schedule runs through February 1, 2027. The cycle’s official site outlines the programs to choose from before you book.