This exhibition of 16 of the great Italian master's paintings from the final four years of his life has created a sensation.

It's perhaps the highlight of the year's museum shows, and here it's only February.

Caravaggio, born in 1571, was at the height of his fame, considered the most original and powerful painter of his day, when in 1606 he killed a man in a duel.

With a capital sentence on his head he fled Rome, never to return.

During the next — and final — four years of his life, spent on the run, he created his greatest works, 16 of which have been assembled in this nonpareil show.

Many of these paintings have never before left their homes, and were obtained for the exhibition only after extended and difficult negotiations.

The show opened last Wednesday at London's National Gallery, and will be up through May 22 in the Sainsbury Wing.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m.- 6 p.m every day, Wednesdays until 9 p.m.

Admission requires a ticket.