I, Carravagio

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio is a famous bi-sexual libertine and Baroque 16th-century icon who is at odds with himself until he falls in love with Lena Antognetti, a prostitute modeling his newest Virgin pictures. I, Caravaggio dramatizes his psychological unraveling under the sexual and political pressures of the Catholic Reformation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Clash Books

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, the renowned bi-sexual libertine, is a figure more at ease in the digital realm of Tinder than in the solemn confines of a Roman Cathedral. With a carefree spirit, he traverses the streets, his presence akin to vibrant brushstrokes, destined to become an iconic figure of the Baroque 16th century.

The year is 1604, and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio reigns as a superstar, his breathtaking paintings filling the pews of Rome with awe and admiration. It should be a time of prosperity for the artistic trailblazer, yet Caravaggio finds himself at a crossroads. While he creates masterpieces that captivate the hearts of art enthusiasts, the ruffian within him cannot be tamed. Despite his artistic prowess, Caravaggio finds himself repeatedly behind bars, his mischievous actions overshadowing his achievements.

Caravaggio is a man caught between two worlds, a conflict that manifests in his very existence. On the one hand, he possesses a profound artistic talent that rivals the greatest of his time. His paintings, with their vivid colors and realistic details, transport viewers to another realm, capturing the essence of human emotion and nature. On the other hand, there is the darker side of Caravaggio, a rebellious spirit that refuses to be contained. He revels in street brawls, engaging in petty crimes and causing chaos wherever he goes.

Caravaggio's life is a tale of existential struggle, a constant battle between the artist and the rogue. He is a man at odds with himself, torn between his desire for fame and his longing for personal redemption. It is only when he falls in love with Lena Antognetti, a prostitute who models for his newest Virgin pictures, that Caravaggio begins to find a sense of balance. Through their tumultuous relationship, Caravaggio paints Lena into a life of wealth and celebrity, but their provocative fame also attracts a horde of resentful and jealous enemies.

"I, Caravaggio" is a dramatic portrayal of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio's psychological unraveling under the sexual and political pressures of the Catholic Reformation. The film delves into the superstar's complex personality, exploring his struggles with love, fame, and his own inner demons. It is a captivating journey that takes viewers into the heart of 16th-century Italy, a time of immense cultural and social change.

Through its vivid storytelling and exceptional performances, "I, Caravaggio" captures the essence of a man who was both a genius and a rebel, a figure who left an indelible mark on the world of art and history. It is a testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light that can guide us toward redemption and transformation.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781955904759