Caravaggio

Born in Milan in 1571, Caravaggio moved to Rome in his early twenties. There, he apprenticed with the mannerist painter Simone Peterzano. This early training exposed him to the artistic trends of the time, but Caravaggio would soon develop his own unique style.

In Rome, Caravaggio struggled initially, painting small works for the open market. His breakthrough came when he caught the attention of Cardinal Francesco del Monte, who became his patron. This support allowed Caravaggio to secure important commissions and develop his distinctive style.

1. Tenebrism: Caravaggio's use of extreme contrasts between light and dark, known as tenebrism, became his signature technique. He often placed his subjects in a dark setting, illuminated by a single, intense light source.

2. Realism: Unlike many of his contemporaries, Caravaggio painted figures with unflinching realism. He used models from the streets of Rome, depicting them with all their flaws and imperfections.

3. Dramatic compositions: Caravaggio's scenes often capture moments of high drama or tension, drawing the viewer into the emotional core of the narrative.

4. Religious subjects: While painting religious themes, Caravaggio brought a new, human dimension to sacred figures, often portraying them as ordinary people in contemporary settings.

5. Limited preparation: Unlike many artists of his time, Caravaggio worked directly on the canvas with minimal preparatory sketches, giving his work a sense of immediacy and spontaneity.

"The Calling of Saint Matthew" (1600): This painting exemplifies Caravaggio's use of tenebrism and his ability to capture a moment of spiritual transformation. The dramatic diagonal of light cutting through the darkness symbolises divine intervention.

"The Conversion of Saint Paul" (1601): Here, Caravaggio upends traditional iconography by focusing on the moment of Paul's conversion, with the saint sprawled on the ground in a pose of complete surrender.

"The Death of the Virgin" (1606): This controversial work shocked contemporaries with its realistic depiction of the Virgin Mary as a common woman. It demonstrates Caravaggio's commitment to realism even in sacred subjects.

"David with the Head of Goliath" (1610): One of Caravaggio's last works, this painting is notable for its psychological intensity. The artist used his own face for Goliath's severed head, adding a deeply personal dimension to the biblical narrative.

These works showcase Caravaggio's ability to breathe new life into familiar religious stories, making them immediate and relatable to viewers.

Caravaggio's life was as dramatic as his paintings. He was known for his volatile temper and frequent involvement in brawls. In 1606, he killed a man during a dispute and fled Rome, spending the last four years of his life on the run.

Despite these troubles, Caravaggio continued to paint and secure commissions. His time in Naples, Malta, and Sicily produced some of his most powerful works, often reflecting his tumultuous state of mind.

1. The Caravaggisti: A group of artists who directly emulated Caravaggio's style, spreading his influence throughout Europe.

2. Baroque art: Caravaggio's dramatic lighting and compositions were a major influence on the development of Baroque painting.

3. Realism: His commitment to depicting reality, flaws and all, paved the way for later realist movements in art.

4. Lighting techniques: Caravaggio's tenebrism influenced countless artists' approach to light and shadow, including Rembrandt and Georges de La Tour.

5. Narrative power: His ability to capture dramatic moments and convey intense emotion in paint continues to inspire artists today.

During his lifetime, Caravaggio's work was both praised and criticised. Some admired his innovative style and powerful storytelling, while others found his realism and unconventional approach to religious subjects shocking.

In the centuries following his death, Caravaggio's reputation waned. It wasn't until the 20th century that his work was rediscovered and his importance in the history of Western art fully recognised.

Today, Caravaggio is celebrated as one of the most influential painters in European art history. His works continue to captivate viewers with their emotional intensity, technical brilliance, and revolutionary approach to light and shadow.

1. Ground preparation: Caravaggio often used dark grounds, which helped create the deep shadows characteristic of his work.

2. Limited palette: He used a relatively small range of colours, focusing instead on the dramatic interplay of light and shadow.

3. Wet-on-wet technique: Caravaggio often painted wet paint into wet paint, allowing him to blend colours and create soft transitions.

4. Impasto: He used thick, textured paint in highlighted areas to create a sense of three-dimensionality.

1. Accessibility: Caravaggio's realistic style made religious stories more accessible to ordinary people, aligning with the Church's goal of reaching a broader audience.

2. Emotional impact: His dramatic compositions and intense emotions supported the Counter-Reformation emphasis on personal, emotional engagement with faith.

3. Controversy: While some Church officials embraced Caravaggio's work, others found his realism and unconventional interpretations of sacred subjects problematic.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was a revolutionary artist whose work transformed Western painting. His innovative use of light and shadow, commitment to realism, and ability to capture intense emotion on canvas continue to captivate viewers today.

Despite a troubled life and periods of obscurity after his death, Caravaggio's influence on art history is undeniable. His work bridged the Renaissance and Baroque periods, paving the way for new approaches to painting that would shape art for centuries to come.

As we continue to study and appreciate Caravaggio's paintings, we gain not only insight into a pivotal moment in art history but also a deeper understanding of the power of art to move, challenge, and transform our perceptions of the world around us.