Caravaggio: the Dramatic Life and Artistic Legacy

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was born in Milan on September 29, 1571. This date coincides with the feast day of his "name saint," the Archangel Michael, a detail that perhaps foreshadowed the dramatic and tumultuous life he would lead. He was baptized the following day at the parish church of S. Stefano in Brolo, Milan. His father, Fermo Merisi, an architect or "magister" for Francesco Sforza, the Marchese of Caravaggio, and his mother, Lucia, were both from the same district. Seeking refuge from the plague that ravaged Milan in 1576, the family relocated to Caravaggio, a town in Lombardy that lent its name to the future master of Baroque art.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Caravaggio's early life was marked by tragedy, with the death of his father in 1577 and his mother in 1590. At the age of 13, in 1584, he began an apprenticeship with the Lombard painter Simone Peterzano. Peterzano, a late Mannerist painter, was devoted to early Mannerist styles. During his four-year apprenticeship, Caravaggio honed his skills and was exposed to the works of High Renaissance masters like Titian, Tintoretto, Lotto, and Leonardo da Vinci. This exposure left an indelible mark on him, influencing his future work. Peterzano's influence on Caravaggio was significant, merging an interest in light and color, inspired by Titian, with Lombard artistry characterized by precise paint handling and an appreciation for naturalistic details. While in Milan, Caravaggio focused on portraits, laying the groundwork for his later insistence on painting subjects from posed models.

Struggles and Success in Rome

In 1592, at the age of 21, Caravaggio moved to Rome, the epicenter of Italy's artistic scene. Arriving with little money, he found work with Giuseppe Cesari, painting flowers and fruit. Although his time with Cesari was brief, due to a serious illness, it was during this period that Caravaggio began to exhibit the realism that would define his career. Documents suggest that he may have briefly worked in the studio of Sicilian painter Lorenzo Carli in Rome. His first known Roman residence was with Monsignor Pandolfo Pucci, whom Caravaggio mockingly dubbed "Monsignor Insalata" due to his meager diet.

Caravaggio's fortunes changed when Cardinal Francesco del Monte, recognizing his talents, took him into his household in 1595. This connection opened doors to public commissions that would soon make Caravaggio a celebrated artist. During his time with del Monte, Caravaggio formed important friendships with artists like Prospero Orsi, Onorhio Longhi, and Mario Minniti, who helped him gain notoriety in the art world. Del Monte, an ambassador at the papal court and a patron of the arts, owned ten of Caravaggio's paintings. Caravaggio's work during this period demonstrated a mastery of light and shadow, challenging the conventions of Renaissance art with its meticulous attention to detail.

The Tumultuous Life of Caravaggio

Caravaggio's life was as dramatic as his art. Known for his fiery temperament, he often found himself in legal trouble. His penchant for carrying a sword, despite its illegality, and his readiness to engage in fights highlighted his rebellious nature. Caravaggio's confrontations were many, including slashing a cloak, throwing a plate at a waiter, and even scarring a guard. His notorious behavior did not deter his patrons, who valued his artistic genius. Anecdotes of Caravaggio painting a tavern sign in lieu of rent payment, which later sold for a high price, underscore his complex relationship with society.

The Infamous Murder and Exile

Caravaggio's most infamous act was the murder of Ranuccio Tomassoni in 1606, an event that cast a long shadow over his legacy. While initially attributed to a dispute over a tennis match, recent research suggests a rivalry over a courtesan, Fillide Melandroni, whom Caravaggio had painted. Tomassoni, her pimp, died from a wound inflicted by Caravaggio, who aimed to avenge his honor. This act forced Caravaggio into exile. Despite a capital sentence hanging over him, he was never actively pursued by papal authorities, possibly due to his invaluable contributions to art.

Final Years and Artistic Influence

Fleeing Rome, Caravaggio went South, ultimately influencing South Italian early Seicento painting. He sought refuge with the Knights of Malta, becoming a Knight of Obedience in 1608. His work, "The Beheading of St John the Baptist," was a masterpiece that secured his passage into the Order. However, a brawl led to his imprisonment and subsequent escape to Sicily. Caravaggio's life was marked by turbulence and artistic brilliance. His legacy endures through his revolutionary approach to painting, which redefined the use of light and shadow, setting the stage for the Baroque era.

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