Caravaggio

More about the book

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) stirred late-sixteenth-century Rome with his groundbreaking naturalism and emotionalism in painting. Despite the extensive literature on him, this book advocates for a fresh examination of the narratives surrounding his life and work. The author, Sybille Ebert-Schifferer, critically reevaluates available sources, revealing that many disparaging views of Caravaggio stemmed from cultural biases or the rivalries of his contemporaries. Contrary to claims that he lacked education or piety, Caravaggio was a skilled technician who devised a successful marketing strategy. He garnered respect and high fees from prestigious clients while inspiring numerous imitators. His legal troubles mirrored the behaviors of the aristocratic Romans he aspired to emulate. The volume features beautiful reproductions of Caravaggio's paintings, illustrating why he captivated his contemporaries—a fascination that persists today, fueling ongoing debates among art historians about his enduring legacy.