Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) was an Italian painter known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, as well as his depictions of religious and mythological scenes. He was one of the most influential artists of his time and is credited with the development of the Baroque style of painting.

Caravaggio’s work is characterized by his use of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates a strong contrast between light and dark areas of a painting. He often depicted scenes from the Bible and mythology, but his works were known for their realistic and sometimes gritty depictions of human figures. His paintings were controversial at the time, as they often depicted religious figures in a naturalistic way, without the idealized beauty and perfection that was typical of Renaissance art.

Despite his success as an artist, Caravaggio led a tumultuous life that was marked by violence and scandal. He was known for his quick temper and was involved in numerous altercations throughout his life, including a fatal brawl that led to his exile from Rome. Despite these challenges, Caravaggio’s legacy as an artist remains secure, and his work continues to be celebrated for its boldness and emotional power.