Dramatist of the Baroque

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, often called simply Caravaggio, is believed to have been born in Milan, Italy, in 1571. He is considered one of the most important painters of the Baroque period and was known for his revolutionary depiction of light and shadow, as well as his dramatic compositions.

Caravaggio received his education in Milan, where he studied the techniques of Renaissance painting. At the age of 21, he moved to Rome, which was the center of the art world at the time. There he developed his unique style and quickly became famous for his ability to create realistic and emotional scenes.

Caravaggio's painting style was distinguished by his powerful use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro. He favored dark, deep backgrounds that dramatically highlighted his figures. His paintings often depicted biblical scenes, mythological stories, and portraits. He often painted his figures in a naturalistic style that emphasized their human nature and sometimes showed their defects and flaws.

Although Caravaggio's art was admired by many, he also had numerous disputes and controversies. His naturalistic style and his depiction of everyday people and situations were considered provocative by some. In addition, he had an impulsive character and often got into trouble with the law.

In 1606, Caravaggio killed a man during an argument and was put on the wanted list. He fled Rome and spent the last years of his life on the run. During this time he continued to paint, mainly in Naples, Sicily and Malta.

Caravaggio died on July 18, 1610, under unexplained circumstances on his way back to Rome. His legacy as an artist is enormous. He influenced subsequent generations of painters and became a forerunner of Baroque and Realism. His innovative techniques in light and shadow influenced the entire art world and are still of great importance today.

Caravaggio's works are exhibited in prestigious museums worldwide and valued for their drama, intensity and realism. His unique artistic vision and influence on the history of art make him one of the outstanding figures of European painting.