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

Maurice Hagemans (1852 - 1917)
Maurice Hagemans
1852 - 1917
Sabato (Simon) Rodia (1879 - 1965)
Sabato (Simon) Rodia
1879 - 1965
Cesare Maccari (1840 - 1919)
Cesare Maccari
1840 - 1919
Angelika Kauffmann (1741 - 1807)
Angelika Kauffmann
1741 - 1807
Jacques Lipchitz (1891 - 1973)
Jacques Lipchitz
1891 - 1973
Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli (1697 - 1771)
Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli
1697 - 1771
Antonio Donghi (1897 - 1963)
Antonio Donghi
1897 - 1963
Carlo Levi (1902 - 1975)
Carlo Levi
1902 - 1975
Giacinto Gigante (1806 - 1876)
Giacinto Gigante
1806 - 1876
Antonio Corradini (1688 - 1752)
Antonio Corradini
1688 - 1752
Mattia Moreni (1920 - 1999)
Mattia Moreni
1920 - 1999
Lorenzo di Credi (1459 - 1537)
Lorenzo di Credi
1459 - 1537
Giulio Tadolini (1849 - 1918)
Giulio Tadolini
1849 - 1918
Lippo Vanni (1315 - 1375)
Lippo Vanni
1315 - 1375
Gregorio Sciltian (1900 - 1985)
Gregorio Sciltian
1900 - 1985
Angelo Barabino (1883 - 1950)
Angelo Barabino
1883 - 1950

Creators Baroque

Bonaventura Peeters I (1614 - 1652)
Bonaventura Peeters I
1614 - 1652
Matthäus Gundelach (1566 - 1653)
Matthäus Gundelach
1566 - 1653
Ventura Salimbèni (1568 - 1613)
Ventura Salimbèni
1568 - 1613
Egid Quirin Asam (1692 - 1750)
Egid Quirin Asam
1692 - 1750
H.J. Hoet (XVIII century - ?)
H.J. Hoet
XVIII century - ?
Francesco Maria Schiaffino (1688 - 1763)
Francesco Maria Schiaffino
1688 - 1763
Domenico Fiasella (1589 - 1669)
Domenico Fiasella
1589 - 1669
Georges de La Tour (1593 - 1652)
Georges de La Tour
1593 - 1652
Johann George Böhm II (1696 - 1738)
Johann George Böhm II
1696 - 1738
Giovanni Ottaviani (1735 - 1808)
Giovanni Ottaviani
1735 - 1808
Giovanni Battista Beinaschi (1636 - 1688)
Giovanni Battista Beinaschi
1636 - 1688
Gregorio Lazzarini (1657 - 1730)
Gregorio Lazzarini
1657 - 1730
Willem van de Velde II (1633 - 1707)
Willem van de Velde II
1633 - 1707
Tommaso Salini (1575 - 1625)
Tommaso Salini
1575 - 1625
Anna Waser (1678 - 1714)
Anna Waser
1678 - 1714
Johannes van der Bent (1650 - 1690)
Johannes van der Bent
1650 - 1690