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

Tomasino da Vimercate (XIV century - XV century)
Tomasino da Vimercate
XIV century - XV century
Joseph Johann Kauffmann (1707 - 1782)
Joseph Johann Kauffmann
1707 - 1782
Antonio Canova (1757 - 1822)
Antonio Canova
1757 - 1822
Alessandro Casolani (1552 - 1606)
Alessandro Casolani
1552 - 1606
Antonio de Bellis (1616 - 1656)
Antonio de Bellis
1616 - 1656
Maestro di Citta Di Castello (XIII century - ?)
Maestro di Citta Di Castello
XIII century - ?
Eugenio Zampighi (1859 - 1944)
Eugenio Zampighi
1859 - 1944
Antoine Rivalz (1667 - 1735)
Antoine Rivalz
1667 - 1735
Antonio Cimatori (Il Visacci) (1550 - 1623)
Antonio Cimatori (Il Visacci)
1550 - 1623
Niccolò Vicentino (1510 - 1550)
Niccolò Vicentino
1510 - 1550
Giuseppe Rusconi (1688 - 1758)
Giuseppe Rusconi
1688 - 1758
Giacomo Raibolini (1486 - 1557)
Giacomo Raibolini
1486 - 1557
Bice Lazzari (1900 - 1981)
Bice Lazzari
1900 - 1981
Alessandro Twombly (1959)
Alessandro Twombly
1959
Meo Da Siena (1310 - 1333)
Meo Da Siena
1310 - 1333
Francesco Primaticcio (1503 - 1570)
Francesco Primaticcio
1503 - 1570

Creators Baroque

Jacobus Mazzocchius (XV century - ?)
Jacobus Mazzocchius
XV century - ?
Willem de Heusch (1625 - 1692)
Willem de Heusch
1625 - 1692
Artemisia Gentileschi (1593 - 1653)
Artemisia Gentileschi
1593 - 1653
Adam Willaerts (1577 - 1664)
Adam Willaerts
1577 - 1664
Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598 - 1680)
Gian Lorenzo Bernini
1598 - 1680
Giovanni Battista Piazzetta (1682 - 1754)
Giovanni Battista Piazzetta
1682 - 1754
Alessandro Turchi (1578 - 1649)
Alessandro Turchi
1578 - 1649
Hendrick van der Burgh (1627 - 1664)
Hendrick van der Burgh
1627 - 1664
Giovanni Battista Maini (1690 - 1752)
Giovanni Battista Maini
1690 - 1752
Hans von Kulmbach (1476 - 1522)
Hans von Kulmbach
1476 - 1522
Francesco Cozza (1605 - 1682)
Francesco Cozza
1605 - 1682
Andrea de Leone (1610 - 1685)
Andrea de Leone
1610 - 1685
Nicolas Beatrizet (1507 - 1565)
Nicolas Beatrizet
1507 - 1565
Jean-Benjamin de La Borde (1734 - 1794)
Jean-Benjamin de La Borde
1734 - 1794
Silvestro Chiesa (1623 - 1657)
Silvestro Chiesa
1623 - 1657
Giovanni Battista della Rovere (1560 - 1630)
Giovanni Battista della Rovere
1560 - 1630
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