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

Girolamo Massei (1530 - 1614)
Girolamo Massei
1530 - 1614
Donato Creti (1671 - 1749)
Donato Creti
1671 - 1749
Giovanni Antonio Burrini (1656 - 1727)
Giovanni Antonio Burrini
1656 - 1727
Guglielmo Ciardi (1842 - 1917)
Guglielmo Ciardi
1842 - 1917
Giacinto Calandrucci (1646 - 1707)
Giacinto Calandrucci
1646 - 1707
Ambrogio da Fossano (1453 - 1523)
Ambrogio da Fossano
1453 - 1523
Antonio Zucci (1726 - 1795)
Antonio Zucci
1726 - 1795
Pino Signoretto (1944 - 2017)
Pino Signoretto
1944 - 2017
Antonio Donghi (1897 - 1963)
Antonio Donghi
1897 - 1963
Domingos Antonio Sequeira (1768 - 1837)
Domingos Antonio Sequeira
1768 - 1837
Adrien Manglard (1695 - 1760)
Adrien Manglard
1695 - 1760
Piero Marussig (1879 - 1937)
Piero Marussig
1879 - 1937
Ippolito Galantini (1627 - 1706)
Ippolito Galantini
1627 - 1706
Louis Gauffier (1762 - 1801)
Louis Gauffier
1762 - 1801
Ludovico Bigola (1822 - 1905)
Ludovico Bigola
1822 - 1905
Leonetto Cappello (1875 - 1942)
Leonetto Cappello
1875 - 1942

Creators Baroque

Pier Dandini (1646 - 1712)
Pier Dandini
1646 - 1712
Jan Pauwel Gillemans II (1651 - 1704)
Jan Pauwel Gillemans II
1651 - 1704
Charles Mellin (1597 - 1649)
Charles Mellin
1597 - 1649
Johann Michael Feuchtmayer (1709 - 1772)
Johann Michael Feuchtmayer
1709 - 1772
Johann Adam Bauer (1743 - 1780)
Johann Adam Bauer
1743 - 1780
Jean-Baptiste Deshays de Colleville (1729 - 1765)
Jean-Baptiste Deshays de Colleville
1729 - 1765
Egbert van der Poel (1621 - 1664)
Egbert van der Poel
1621 - 1664
Marcello Venusti (1512 - 1579)
Marcello Venusti
1512 - 1579
Bartolomeo Bimbi (1648 - 1729)
Bartolomeo Bimbi
1648 - 1729
Bartholomäus Zeitblom (1460 - 1519)
Bartholomäus Zeitblom
1460 - 1519
Francesco Guardi (1712 - 1793)
Francesco Guardi
1712 - 1793
Leonardo Coccorante (1680 - 1750)
Leonardo Coccorante
1680 - 1750
Niccolò Bambini (1651 - 1736)
Niccolò Bambini
1651 - 1736
Johann Melchior Dinglinger (1664 - 1731)
Johann Melchior Dinglinger
1664 - 1731
Jacob van Schuppen (1670 - 1751)
Jacob van Schuppen
1670 - 1751
Camillo Rizzi (1590 - 1626)
Camillo Rizzi
1590 - 1626
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