Caravaggio

Italian painter · Baroque art · dramatic light · Renaissance

Master of light and shadow. Caravaggio used extreme contrasts between bright and dark areas in his paintings, making figures pop out as if lit by a single spotlight. This technique, called chiaroscuro, became so influential that many artists after him copied his style.

Lived a dramatic life. Born in Milan in 1584, Caravaggio spent most of his career painting in Rome but had to leave the city. During his final years, he moved between Naples, Malta, and Sicily, painting constantly wherever he went.

Painted real people. Instead of making people look perfect or idealized, Caravaggio painted ordinary humans with all their wrinkles, scars, and emotions showing. His realistic approach made religious paintings feel like they were happening right in front of you.

Changed painting forever. Caravaggio's dramatic lighting style had such a huge impact that it shaped an entire art movement called Baroque. Hundreds of artists learned from his techniques and spread his ideas across Europe.