Caravaggesque

Caravaggism refers to the style of painting that drew heavily from the work of the Italian Baroque artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, who lived from 1571 to 1610. His innovative approach to realism and dramatic lighting profoundly influenced many artists across Europe. A key characteristic of Caravaggism is tenebrism, a dramatic contrast between light and dark, where shadows are deep and areas of intense light illuminate specific figures or objects, creating a sense of theatricality and emotional intensity.

Caravaggio's paintings often depicted religious or mythological scenes with an unprecedented naturalism. He favored ordinary people as models, even for sacred figures, and presented them with unflinching realism, including flaws and imperfections. This departure from idealized depictions was revolutionary and, at times, controversial. His compositions are typically tightly cropped, bringing the viewer into close proximity with the subject matter and enhancing the sense of immediacy.

Artists who adopted or were inspired by Caravaggio's style are known as Caravaggisti. This movement spread beyond Italy, with notable followers in the Netherlands, Spain, and France. While some artists meticulously copied Caravaggio's techniques, others adapted his principles to their own artistic visions, contributing to the diverse interpretations of Caravaggism throughout the Baroque period. The influence of Caravaggio's style can be seen in the works of artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Orazio Gentileschi, Bartolomeo Manfredi, and Georges de La Tour.