Caravaggio & the Vast Darkness

The Taking of Christ, 1602

But First, Titian

Born in the late 15th century Titian pioneered several techniques in composition, color, and the contrast of light and dark. He taught El Greco, and early pioneer of Chiaroscuro, and Simone Peterzano ​who in turn taught Caravaggio.

Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, 1515

Chiaroscuro

The technique began with drawing on colored paper and later broadened in meaning to cover any strong contrast in illumination. 

The Matchmaker by  Gerrit van Honthorst, 1625

Early Life

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was born September, 29 1571. He trained in Milan with Peterzano. He came to prominence in 1600 with the completion of his first two commissions: The Martyrdom of St. Matthew  and The Calling of St. Matthew .

The Calling of St Matthew, 1599

He loved dueling and Causing Trouble

Caravaggio went to Rome in 1592 after wounding a police officer in a brawl. By 1604 he had earned a reputation for fighting, and in 1606 had to flee Rome after killing a young man in a sword fight.

Knights of Matla

He's taken in by the knights and continues his work in Malta for 4 years. The tumult weighed heavily upon him and affected his work. He was arrested 1608, for yet another brawl. He was expelled later that year.

The Seven Works of Mercy, 1606–1607

1610

In 1609 Caravaggio sent Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of the pope, this painting to ask forgiveness. In the summer of 1610 he took a boat northwards to receive the pardon, but was mysteriously murdered on July 18th. He then disappeared from history until his work was rediscovered in the 20 century.

David with the Head of Goliath, 1609–1610