Caravaggio. The Complete Works. 40th Ed.

Caravaggio was a renowned Italian painter known for his violent temper, precise technique, creative master, and controversial career. This edition provides a comprehensive reassessment of his works with a catalogue raisonné, reproductions, and introductory chapters that explore his artistic career and daring use of lighting and naturalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, also known as Caravaggio (1571–1610), was a legendary figure even during his lifetime. Renowned as the notorious bad boy of Italian painting, Caravaggio possessed a unique blend of celebrated and controversial qualities. He was known for his fiery temper, meticulous technique, exceptional creativity, and a tumultuous life on the run.

This comprehensive edition presents a fresh and insightful examination of Caravaggio's entire artistic oeuvre. It includes a comprehensive catalogue raisonné, providing detailed information about his works. Each painting is reproduced with stunning high-production photography, allowing for close-up views that showcase Caravaggio's intricate details of expressions and gestures.

Five introductory chapters delve into Caravaggio's artistic journey, tracing his early struggles to make a living, his initial public commissions in Rome, and his rising fame. These chapters explore his increasing audacity in lighting techniques and his groundbreaking naturalism, which allowed even biblical events to unfold with an unprecedented immediacy before the viewer.

Caravaggio's artistic style was characterized by a bold and unconventional approach, which defied traditional conventions and conventions. He used dramatic lighting effects to create a sense of realism and urgency, often blurring the lines between reality and illusion. His use of light and shadow, as well as his attention to detail, contributed to his ability to capture the essence of his subjects and evoke powerful emotions in his viewers.

Caravaggio's works were highly influential in his time and continue to be celebrated today. His innovative techniques and bold compositions have inspired countless artists and influenced the development of modern painting. His legacy as a creative master and a man on the run remains a fascinating and captivating aspect of his life and work.

In conclusion, Caravaggio's artistic career was marked by a combination of controversy, brilliance, and a relentless pursuit of artistic innovation. His works continue to captivate and inspire audiences, and his legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance remains undiminished. This edition offers a valuable resource for scholars, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the rich and complex world of Caravaggio's art.

Weight: 1468g
Dimension: 164 x 224 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836587969