Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571 - 1610)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571 - 1610) - photo 1

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, an Italian painter, was a pivotal figure in the transition to Baroque art. Born in Milan or the town of Caravaggio in 1571, his work is renowned for its realistic depiction of human emotion, dramatic use of lighting, and less-than-idealized portrayal of subjects, which broke away from the Mannerist style prevalent at the time.

Caravaggio's life was as dramatic as his art. In 1592, he moved to Rome, where, despite initial hardships, his unique style caught the eye of Cardinal Francesco del Monte, leading to his first public commissions. His success, however, was marred by a tumultuous life filled with brawls and legal troubles. Notably, in 1606, he fled Rome after killing Ranuccio Tommasoni in a brawl, an act that led to a death sentence. He sought refuge in Naples, Malta, and Sicily, continuing to create influential works while attempting to secure a papal pardon.

His most significant contributions to art include introducing a style that combined naturalistic detail with dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro) and psychological realism. This approach had a profound impact on the evolution of Baroque painting. Some of his notable works include "Basket of Fruit," "The Calling of St. Matthew," "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist," and "Supper at Emmaus." These works are characterized by their innovative composition and the intense emotional state they convey.

Caravaggio's fame waned after his death in 1610 under mysterious circumstances while traveling from Naples to Rome. However, the 20th century saw a resurgence in interest in his work, acknowledging his significant influence on Western art.

For collectors and art experts, Caravaggio's works represent a pivotal moment in the history of art, where the transition from Renaissance ideals to Baroque realism is profoundly evident. His paintings can be seen in various museums and galleries, offering a glimpse into the dramatic and emotive potential of art.

To stay updated on sales and auction events related to Caravaggio's works, signing up for updates can be a valuable resource for enthusiasts and collectors. This subscription will provide timely information on new opportunities to acquire pieces linked to this influential and groundbreaking artist​​​​​​.

Date and place of birt:29 september 1571, Milan, Italy
Date and place of death:18 july 1610, Porto Ercole, Italy
Nationality:Italy
Period of activity: XVI, XVII century
Specialization:Artist, Genre painter, Painter, Portraitist
Art school / group:Utrecht Caravaggists
Genre:Genre art, Mythological painting, Portrait, Religious genre, Still life
Art style:Baroque, Karavagism, Renaissance, Old Masters

Creators Italy

Johann Gottfried Tannauer (1680 - 1737)
Johann Gottfried Tannauer
1680 - 1737
Ercole Barovier (1889 - 1974)
Ercole Barovier
1889 - 1974
Nicolo Cannicci (1846 - 1906)
Nicolo Cannicci
1846 - 1906
Giuseppe Uncini (1929 - 2008)
Giuseppe Uncini
1929 - 2008
Giovanni Andrea Sirani (1610 - 1670)
Giovanni Andrea Sirani
1610 - 1670
Rembrandt Bugatti (1884 - 1916)
Rembrandt Bugatti
1884 - 1916
Vernon Lee (1856 - 1935)
Vernon Lee
1856 - 1935
Marco d'Oggiono (1470 - 1549)
Marco d'Oggiono
1470 - 1549
Giorgio Morandi (1890 - 1964)
Giorgio Morandi
1890 - 1964
Melozzo da Forlì (1438 - 1494)
Melozzo da Forlì
1438 - 1494
Alvise Vivarini (1446 - 1502)
Alvise Vivarini
1446 - 1502
Arthur Bowen Davies (1862 - 1928)
Arthur Bowen Davies
1862 - 1928
Nikolay Konstantinovich Kalmakov (1873 - 1955)
Nikolay Konstantinovich Kalmakov
1873 - 1955
Marco Dente (1493 - 1527)
Marco Dente
1493 - 1527
Sebastiano Ricci (1659 - 1734)
Sebastiano Ricci
1659 - 1734
Bartolomeo Bulgarini (1300 - 1378)
Bartolomeo Bulgarini
1300 - 1378

Creators Baroque

Francisco de Goya (1746 - 1828)
Francisco de Goya
1746 - 1828
Girolamo Massei (1530 - 1614)
Girolamo Massei
1530 - 1614
Peter van Bleeck (1697 - 1764)
Peter van Bleeck
1697 - 1764
Bartholomeus van der Helst (1613 - 1670)
Bartholomeus van der Helst
1613 - 1670
Agostino Veneziano (1490 - 1540)
Agostino Veneziano
1490 - 1540
Gerrit Adriaensz. de Heer (1606 - 1670)
Gerrit Adriaensz. de Heer
1606 - 1670
Ercole de Roberti (1450 - 1496)
Ercole de Roberti
1450 - 1496
Adam Frans van der Meulen (1632 - 1690)
Adam Frans van der Meulen
1632 - 1690
Jusepe de Ribera (1591 - 1652)
Jusepe de Ribera
1591 - 1652
Gherardo Poli (1676 - 1739)
Gherardo Poli
1676 - 1739
Gentile Bellini (1429 - 1507)
Gentile Bellini
1429 - 1507
Giovanni Battista Franco (1510 - 1561)
Giovanni Battista Franco
1510 - 1561
Cornelis Visscher (1629 - 1658)
Cornelis Visscher
1629 - 1658
Georg Flegel (1566 - 1638)
Georg Flegel
1566 - 1638
Floris van Schooten (1585 - 1656)
Floris van Schooten
1585 - 1656
François Girardon (1628 - 1715)
François Girardon
1628 - 1715
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