A Turbulent Life of Artistic Genius

Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi), a renowned Italian painter from Spain (1571-1610), left an indelible mark on the Baroque art movement. His life, as complex as his art, was characterized by brilliance and turmoil.

Early Life and Training

Born on September 29, 1571, Caravaggio spent most of his career in Rome, eventually moving to Naples, Malta, and Sicily before his untimely death in 1610. His artistic training in Milan laid the foundation for his future success.

Artistic Style and Innovations

Caravaggio's art is distinguished by its dramatic chiaroscuro, a bold contrast of light and shadow that became his signature style. This approach, often accompanied by intense moments and narratives, was as innovative as it was influential. Notably, Caravaggio preferred painting directly onto canvas, showcasing his artistic prowess.

Influence on the Art World

Caravaggio's impact on the art world was immediate and profound. Artists like Peter Paul Rubens, de Ribera, Bernini, and even Rembrandt were influenced by his style, earning them the title "Caravaggisti" or "shadowists." This legacy is a testament to Caravaggio's enduring influence on Western art.

Turbulent Life and Mysterious Death

Caravaggio's life was as dramatic as his art. After gaining fame in Rome for both his artwork and volatile temperament, he murdered Ranuccio Tommasoni and fled to avoid a death sentence. Despite his notoriety, Caravaggio continued to find patronage and success, ultimately dying under mysterious circumstances, possibly from a fever or rumored murder and lead poisoning.

Legacy and Resurgence

Although Caravaggio's psychological realism was not fully embraced by his successors, his pivotal role in the evolution of Western art was recognized in the 20th century. Art historian André Berne-Joffroy aptly encapsulated his legacy, crediting Caravaggio as the harbinger of modern painting.

• Explore Caravaggio's Artworks on WahooArt.com
• Discover the Collezione Bonello in Malta, featuring Caravaggio's works
• Learn more about Caravaggio on Wikipedia

Notable Paintings and Museums

• San Giovanni Battista al pozzo by Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi), featured in the Collezione Bonello (Malta)
• Resurrection of Lazarus by Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi), showcased on WahooArt.com
• The Lute Player by Eglon Hendrik Van Der Neer, displayed at the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe, Germany)

Conclusion

Caravaggio's life and art continue to captivate artists and connoisseurs alike, embodying both brilliance and chaos. His legacy serves as a reminder of the profound impact one artist can have on the world of art.

**Early Life and Training (1571-1592)**

Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi), the renowned Italian painter, was born in Milan in 1571. His family moved to Caravaggio, a town east of Milan, due to a plague that ravaged the city. After his father's and grandfather's death in 1577, Caravaggio's mother raised their five children in poverty. In 1584, he began his four-year apprenticeship with Simone Peterzano, a pupil of Titian.

**Artistic Career and Style (1592-1610)**

Caravaggio's artistic career was marked by his innovative use of chiaroscuro, which became the hallmark of Baroque painting. His dramatic lighting style, known as tenebrism, influenced numerous artists, including Peter Paul Rubens, Jusepe de Ribera, and Rembrandt. The "Caravaggisti" or "shadowists" were inspired by his work.

• Key Works:
  • The Fortune Teller (1594) (Grand Palais, Paris)
  • Supper at Emmaus (1601-02) (National Gallery, London)
  • Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy (1594) (Baroque, Oil on Canvas)
• Museums featuring Caravaggio's work:
  • National Museum of Fine Arts, La Valletta, Malta (La Collezione Bonello)
  • Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome, Italy (Caravaggio's influence on Baroque painting)

**Legacy and Revival (1610-present)**

Caravaggio's death in 1610, under uncertain circumstances, marked the end of his tumultuous life. However, his artistic legacy continued to inspire generations of artists. In the 20th century, art historians reevaluated Caravaggio's importance, and he was recognized as a pioneer of modern painting. As André Berne-Joffroy stated, "What begins in the work of Caravaggio is, quite simply, modern painting." Wikipedia: Caravaggio WahooArt: Michelangelo Merisi Da Caravaggio