His death on 18 July 1610 remains shrouded in mystery. 412 years have passed since the death of one of the most controversial artists in the history of Italian art. Loved, hated, persecuted in life, praised after his death, because his art remains unparalleled, his care and research of color and naturalness are inimitable. That day between the coasts of Porto Ercole he died Michelangelo Merisi, known to all as Caravaggio. A life lived between genius and recklessness. And even his death remains a mystery. Let's retrace the most important stages in the life of this great artist.
Caravaggio, the restless painter
Born in Milan on 29 September 1571, he had an artistic education in various cities, from Rome, Milan, Malta, Naples, Sicily. His art at first not appreciated, indeed often criticized in the circles he frequented, then became loved. He is recognized for his exceptional sensitivity in rendering the human, physical and emotional dimension of his characters. It is as if they were talking. He only used live models, and he had a maniacal obsession for the scenographic use of light.
And for this reason at first it was not understood. It often happened that the works commissioned to him were despised by the clients because they did not reflect the classical canons of the painting of the time. The great refusal of the painting is famous "Death of the Virgin". Under the protection of Cardinal Del Monte he creates the most significant paintings “La Vocation and the Martyrdom of St. Matthew". It's still "Saint Matthew and the angel".
This condition aroused great malaise in Caravaggio, who lived his life wandering in many cities, often becoming the protagonist of fights and violent altercations. Until the murder committed in May 1606. He was forced to flee and seek protection in many Italian cities to avoid the death sentence. But these are the most important years for his art. The colors of his paintings, however, become darker, the shadows more intense, the compositions more crowded with characters, the subjects he portrays more dramatic.
The last years and death
In his wanderings Caravaggio will reach Malta, Syracuse, Messina, Palermo, Naples. And these are the years of the most famous works. In Malta he paints the "Beheading of the Baptist ", "David and Goliath"In Naples, the"Burial of Saint Lucia " in Syracuse.
Finally, in 1610, Caravaggio tried to return to Rome, but died in Porto Ercole. His death remains a mystery. The hypotheses vary and the studies are many: from murder to death from illness. What is certain is that his body was not found. Only recently have some analyzes been carried out on the remains, attributed to the famous painter.
The cinematographic transpositions
Several cinematographic transpositions have been made on the life of this rebellious but brilliant painter. In 2008 the interpretation of Alessio Boni, in the Raiuno television drama dedicated to the artist. And soon it will be Scamarcio to "take on the clothes" of Caravaggio in "The shadow of Caravaggio" by Michele Placido.
Photo source in evidence: Portrait of Caravaggio by Ottavio Leoni, Florence, Marucelliana Library. Public domain
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