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

Christopher Unterberger (1732 - 1798)
Christopher Unterberger
1732 - 1798
Carol Rama (1918 - 2015)
Carol Rama
1918 - 2015
Antonio Jolie (1700 - 1777)
Antonio Jolie
1700 - 1777
Helen Ashbee (1915 - 1996)
Helen Ashbee
1915 - 1996
Pino Pascali (1935 - 1968)
Pino Pascali
1935 - 1968
Giovanni Pietro Perti (Peretti) (1648 - 1714)
Giovanni Pietro Perti (Peretti)
1648 - 1714
Massimo Vignelli (1931 - 2014)
Massimo Vignelli
1931 - 2014
Tommaso Redi (1665 - 1726)
Tommaso Redi
1665 - 1726
Gregorio de Ferrari (1647 - 1726)
Gregorio de Ferrari
1647 - 1726
Enrico Baj (1924 - 2003)
Enrico Baj
1924 - 2003
Lorenzo Costa II (1537 - 1583)
Lorenzo Costa II
1537 - 1583
Walter Lazzaro (1914 - 1989)
Walter Lazzaro
1914 - 1989
Alfredo Chighine (1914 - 1974)
Alfredo Chighine
1914 - 1974
Alessandro Magnasco (1667 - 1749)
Alessandro Magnasco
1667 - 1749
Alberto Rosselli (1921 - 1976)
Alberto Rosselli
1921 - 1976
Mikhail Matveevich Ivanov (1748 - 1828)
Mikhail Matveevich Ivanov
1748 - 1828

Creators Baroque

Girolamo di Tiziano (1510 - 1572)
Girolamo di Tiziano
1510 - 1572
Marziale Carpinoni (1644 - 1722)
Marziale Carpinoni
1644 - 1722
Domenico Fiasella (1589 - 1669)
Domenico Fiasella
1589 - 1669
Claes Jansz. van der Willigen (1630 - 1676)
Claes Jansz. van der Willigen
1630 - 1676
Giovanni Francesco Muccio (1620 - 1665)
Giovanni Francesco Muccio
1620 - 1665
Altobello Melone (1491 - 1543)
Altobello Melone
1491 - 1543
Scipione Pulzone (1544 - 1598)
Scipione Pulzone
1544 - 1598
Peter Casteels (1650 - 1701)
Peter Casteels
1650 - 1701
Albert Jansz. Klomp (1625 - 1688)
Albert Jansz. Klomp
1625 - 1688
Joachim Govertsz Camphuysen (1601 - 1659)
Joachim Govertsz Camphuysen
1601 - 1659
 Master of the Vitae Imperatorum (XV century - XV century)
Master of the Vitae Imperatorum
XV century - XV century
Reyer Claesz. Suycker (1590 - 1653)
Reyer Claesz. Suycker
1590 - 1653
Gerrit Adriaensz. de Heer (1606 - 1670)
Gerrit Adriaensz. de Heer
1606 - 1670
Marianne Loir (1705 - 1783)
Marianne Loir
1705 - 1783
John Hannot (1633 - 1684)
John Hannot
1633 - 1684
Pieter van der Werff (1665 - 1722)
Pieter van der Werff
1665 - 1722