Caravaggio

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This volume presents a detailed exploration of the turbulent life and dramatic works of Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio, through the insightful text of Professor Alfred Moir, complemented by 40 full-page color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations. Caravaggio's brief life (1571-1610) saw him transition from his hometown of Caravaggio, Lombardy, to Milan for a short study, and then to Rome, where he mingled with artists and patrons, securing his first public commissions. His violent behavior led to a notorious incident where he killed a man, forcing him to flee Rome. His subsequent travels to Naples, Malta, and Sicily were marked by bizarre events but also resulted in significant commissions for portraits and altarpieces, showcasing his creative vigor. Tragically, he died on his way back to Rome. Caravaggio's revolutionary paintings, characterized by striking light and shadow effects, dramatic figures, and naturalistic depictions of everyday life, marked a departure from the Mannerist style of the time. Moir's text not only delves into Caravaggio's life and work but also examines his profound influence on European painting, the socio-political context, fellow artists, and the patrons who supported this complex genius. Moir, a noted Caravaggio expert, serves as Professor of Art History at the University of California, Santa Barbara.