Some colleagues of Caravaggio's try to belittle his work and tell him how he should have finished the painting. Outside, young artists want to study with him but he says he has nothing to teach them.

Michele hears that one of his paintings is in the home of the notary, who is not a friend. He wants to understand how that could have happened.

Those of the old guard are saying negative things about Michele and so his friend, Cardinal Del Monte is advising him to frequent wealthy art connoisseurs instead. He meets up with Costanza and they talk about love.

A new ordinance from the counter-reformists decrees that publically displayed works of art must be approved by Cardinal Borghese. Michele is very upset, to say the least.

Filide has some news for Michele that he is not going to like. After he receives the bad news, Michele goes out and gets into trouble, as he is wont to do.

Michele and his friends get involved in some street fighting. One of the Tomassonis gets wounded and Michele and company flee the scene.

Michele's arrest has put Cardinal Del Monte in an awkward position, especially since the cardinal isn't as powerful as he had been. Michele realizes it might be time for a change and wants to get to work on some newly commissioned paintings.

Michele isn't satisfied with how he has painted his new model. But finally, he seems to have found someone who appreciates him for who he is.

Michele is working on a new painting for the Church, hoping it will allow him to return to the good graces of his protectors. He still has the propensity to use common people as models and this might get him into trouble again.

Once again, Caravaggio is criticized for using a woman considered to be a prostitute in a painting of the Virgin Mary. This time, there are consequences for Lena, too.

Ranuccio and Michele have a real duel. It's bloody and violent.

Tomassoni is dead and there is a death warrant out for Michele. Costanza and her son have to make some new plans, as not even Naples is safe for Michele.

Michele makes the trip to the island of Malta, where he meets the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, hoping for protection. In Rome, his paintings are being removed from churches, since he is now considered to be a murderer.

On the island of Malta, Michele recognizes someone from his distant past to whom he expresses the wish to become one of the Knights of Malta.

Michele has almost finished his painting for the Knights of Malta and his protectors seem very pleased when they see it. They also have some important news for him.