Caravaggio

Even in his own lifetime Caravaggio was considered enigmatic, fascinating, rebellious and dangerous. He burst upon the Rome art scene in 1600, and thereafter never lacked for commissions or patrons, yet handled his success atrociously. An early published notice on him, dating from 1604 and describing his lifestyle some three years previously, tells how “after a fortnight’s work he will swagger about for a month or two with a sword at his side and a servant following him, from one ball-court to the next, ever ready to engage in a fight or an argument, so that it is most awkward to get along with him.

Living 400 years ago in the time of the counter reformation; in the time of Shakespeare; Caravaggio staged scenes with lighting that inspires modern film directors.

Having lived with high quality images and movies; it is difficult for us to conceive the effect his realism had in its days. Every one of his works raised a scandal; and each one haunts us with intrigue even today.

I discovered Caravaggio once again while i was reading the The story of Art book. Consider it was back in 1600’s and there were no projection devices… Look at the paintings again… Unbelievable!

Caravaggio Official Website: caravaggio.com