State of the arts

Caravaggio at the National Gallery

Either it's a new trend or I'd just never paid it much attention in the past but London galleries seem to experiencing something of a renaissance thanks to headline-grabbing exhibitions.

This week Caravaggio at the National drew to a close drawing in box office queues more akin to an FA Cup final than a display of fine art. Quota-controlled, time-stamped tickets required clamoring visitors to do a day of shopping, sightseeing or, at the very least, take a Gallic-style luncheon before returning to see 16 or so exquisite paintings.

I still prefer my Turners, Whistlers and Monets at the Tate a couple of months ago which also brought rock concert profile and critical acclaim.

It would be all too easy to overlook those galleries' main collections, most of which London is blessed with free access to. I guess even the art world needs a little hype to bring in the punters.