Caravaggio: Master of Chiaroscuro and the Intersection of Sacred and Profane

Born on September 29, 1571, in Milan, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio transformed Baroque art with his innovative use of chiaroscuro and striking realism. After receiving training from Simone Peterzano, he relocated to Rome in 1592, where he worked under Cavalier d'Arpino. His initial pieces, including "Canestra di frutta" (1597-98) and "Maddalena Penitente" (1594-95), featured common subjects. Gaining recognition through Cardinal Del Monte's patronage, he faced backlash for depicting prostitutes as saints. In 1600, he created "Vocazione di San Matteo" for the Contarelli Chapel. Following the murder of Ranuccio Tommasoni in May 1606, he sought refuge in Naples, Malta, and Sicily before returning to Naples. He succumbed to malaria on July 18, 1610, at the age of 39. His artistic methods continue to influence the art world.