Caravaggio: The Complete Works

This monograph showcases the complete works of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, highlighting his integrity and the fascination of his extraordinary art. It explores his life, characterized by lights and shadows, marvel and scandal, and presents an authentic and dynamic profile of the artist as a man and his innovative painting techniques.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2018
Publisher: Silvana

This monograph presents a comprehensive exploration of the artistic oeuvre of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, a pivotal figure in Italian and European artistic culture. Spanning from his birth in Milan in 1571 to his untimely death in Porto Ercole in 1610, Caravaggio's life was marked by both brilliance and controversy. Throughout his career, he captivated audiences with his unique style, characterized by bold use of light and shadow, dramatic compositions, and a raw, realist approach to portraiture.

Despite his immense talent, Caravaggio's reputation was often marred by controversy. His works were the subject of a collective infatuation that led to both the appreciation of his paintings at unprecedented levels and the proliferation of new attributions, which created uncertainty and confusion among his devotees. This phenomenon also led to a devaluation of the excellent quality of his autographed works.

To address this issue, this new book, published on the fourth centenary of Michelangelo Merisi's death, is based on a thorough analysis of his artistic production. Thanks to recent discoveries and advancements in art history, the author has been able to confirm the authenticity of Caravaggio's works, providing a definitive account of his artistic journey.

The author delves into the life of Michelangelo Merisi, painting a vivid portrait of the artist as a man characterized by both lights and shadows. From his early years in Milan to his rise to fame in Rome, Caravaggio's life was filled with marvel and scandal. Through his art, he captured the essence of human nature, revealing both the beauty and the darker aspects of humanity.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Caravaggio's style is his ability to innovate painting through creativity and technique. He pushed the boundaries of traditional art forms and experimented with new techniques, such as the use of chiaroscuro, which created a sense of depth and realism in his works. His use of light and shadow also played a crucial role in creating a sense of tension and drama in his portraits, which often depicted subjects in moments of intense emotion.

This monograph is a testament to the extraordinary talent of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. It includes high-quality reproductions of his paintings, allowing readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of his works firsthand. The volume also provides a comprehensive analysis of his artistic production, shedding light on his influences, techniques, and the broader cultural context in which he worked.

In conclusion, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was a milestone in Italian and European artistic culture. His unique style, characterized by bold use of light and shadow, dramatic compositions, and a raw, realist approach to portraiture, continues to captivate audiences today. This monograph serves as a valuable resource for scholars, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the rich and complex world of seventeenth-century Italian art.

Weight: 1334g
Dimension: 245 x 282 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788836616626