Caravaggio, also known as Michelangelo Merisi, was a renowned painter during the Baroque Movement. He revolutionized the art world with his innovative techniques, particularly ‘Tenebrism’. Born in Milan, Caravaggio faced early hardships as he lost both his father and mother to a plague. However, his passion for painting led him to seek training under a renowned painter in Milan. After working with various artists, Caravaggio decided to pursue an independent career. His talent caught the attention of a trader who introduced his work to Cardinal Francesco del Monte, ultimately providing Caravaggio with shelter and financial support. One of the highlights of his career was being chosen to decorate a chapel, which garnered both controversy and popularity. Caravaggio’s realistic approach to painting marked a shift from the prevailing Mannerism style, establishing him as a pioneer of Realism in Italy.
Quick Facts
- Italian Celebrities Born In September
- Also Known As: Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Amerighi da Caravaggio, Michele Angelo Merigi
- Died At Age: 38
- Baroque Painters
- Italian Men
- Died on: July 18, 1610
- Place of death: Porto Ercole, Italy
- City: Milan, Italy
Childhood & Early Life
Caravaggio was born on 29th September, 1571 in Milan, Italy. Due to a plague outbreak, his family moved to Caravaggio in 1576, where he grew up after the death of his father. In 1584, his mother also passed away, and he then moved to Milan to become an apprentice under painter Simone Peterzano.
Career
In the late 1580s, Caravaggio traveled to Rome and worked with various painters, frequently changing his vocation. During the 1590s, he created paintings that depicted daily life rather than the spiritual themes prevalent at the time. Some of his notable works from this period include “The Fortune Teller,” “The Cardsharps,” “Boy with a Fruit Basket,” “The Young Bacchus,” and “The Music Party.”
In 1595, Caravaggio began selling his own paintings to a trader named Maestro Valentino, who brought them to the attention of Cardinal Francesco del Monte. The cardinal became an admirer of Caravaggio’s art and allowed him to stay in his house, providing him with art supplies and an allowance. Under del Monte’s patronage, Caravaggio created several paintings such as “The Lute Player,” “The Musicians,” “Boy Bitten by a Lizard,” and “Bacchus.”
In 1596, Caravaggio painted “Basket of Fruit,” which showcased his distinct and lifelike style. This marked a shift towards realism in painting, surpassing the prevailing mannerism style. He continued to create realistic paintings that defied spiritual themes, including “Penitent Magdalene,” “Martha and Mary Magdalene,” “Saint Catherine,” “Judith Beheading Holofernes,” “Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy,” “Sacrifice of Isaac,” and “Rest on the Flight into Egypt.”
In 1597, Caravaggio had the opportunity to decorate the Contarelli Chapel, a turning point in his career and for Italian painting. He depicted the life cycle of St. Matthew with lifelike images, showcasing his mastery of realism. These paintings, such as “St. Matthew and the Angel,” “The Calling of St. Matthew,” and “The Martyrdom of St. Matthew,” caused controversy among the public and church authorities.
Major Works
One of Caravaggio’s most significant works is his paintings of St. Matthew, which portrayed the saint in a realistic light, deviating from the spiritual and religious themes of the time. These paintings caused trouble for Caravaggio but also led him down a new path in painting. He also created masterpieces like “The Supper at Emmaus” and “Death of the Virgin.”
Personal Life & Legacy
Caravaggio was known for his bad temper and frequently engaged in duels. In 1606, he was accused of murdering a procurer named Ranuccio Tomassoni, although the motive behind the act remains unclear. To avoid punishment, Caravaggio fled Rome and traveled through Malta, Naples, Sicily, and other places, continuing to produce art.
In 1608, Caravaggio was involved in a conflict with Fra Giovanni Rodomonte Roero, a knight in the Order of St. John in Malta, which led to his imprisonment. He was later released but was attacked and defaced by Roero in Naples. This incident deeply affected Caravaggio and was reflected in his subsequent paintings.
In 1610, Caravaggio decided to return to Rome but was taken into custody at Palo. After a brief period of imprisonment, he was released and continued his journey, reaching Port’ Ercole. On 18th July, 1610, Caravaggio passed away under mysterious circumstances. Some researchers speculate that high levels of lead in his body may have contributed to his death.