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A Brief History 1571 Born in Milan 1576 Moved with family to Caravaggio Became an apprentice for 4 years with Lombard painter Peterzano 1592 Went to Rome & began work for Pope Clement VIII's favorite artist Cesari It was at this time he produced his 1st well known painting 'The Boy Peeling a Fruit' 1594 Painted 'The Fortune Teller' featuring artist Minniti being cheated by a gipsy. This was a totally new concept in Rome & became immensely influential. Executed a variety of pieces for wealthy art lovers with his religious themes helping to increase his fame. 1599 Painting of the Contarelli Chapel 'The Martydom of Saint Mathew' & 'The Calling of Saint Mathew. 1606 Killed a man in a brawl & fled to Naples. After a few months he travelled to Malta & joined the Knights of Malta. 1608 He was arrested after another brawl & imprisoned. He was later kicked out of the Knights of Malta. Caravaggio escaped to Sicily and travelled between cities contracting commissions before returning to Naples where he painted his last picture, 'The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula' Died in 1610 |
| Caravaggio was the most famous painter in Rome. As well as being naturalistic his art was dramatic. The contrast between light & dark, chiaroscuro lent high drama to his pieces along with increased emotional value. Despite a turbulent social life he was devoted to art. At a time when Rome was demanding religious art to try & expel the threat of protestants, Caravaggio's religious themes, his emergence of devotion & spirituality, complemented by realism helped propel Caravaggio to fame. However not only was his social life controversial his work also came under scrutiny. The drama & intensity of his work was appreciated but some of his prestigious religious commissions were rejected amid opinions of vulgarity. In contrast to the religious content of his art the models used to portray the piece were often prostitutes. Caravaggio was well known for his insistence to paint from life with a physical reality, much to the annoyance of some, and refusal to idealise the figures that he painted. The works of Caravaggio were constantly evolving. Through keen observation,acute realism, drama & devotion he defined chiaroscuro & inspired Baroque artists in the years to come. |
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| Boy Peeling a Fruit c.1593 |
| The Fortune Teller c.1594 |
| The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula 1610 |
| The Card Sharps c.1594 |
| Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio Italian 1571 to 1610 |
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