About the Artist

Born Michelangelo Merisi he studied with Simone Peterano in Milan from 1584 to 1588 before working in the town of Caravaggio near Bergamo. Around 1592 he went to Rome, where he was employed in several workshops, and soon found patrons at the papal court. He was arrested several times because of his life on the run. In contrast to his contemporary Annibale Caracci, Caravaggio tried to breathe new life into art by portraying people and objects in a more naturalistic way. An extremely realistic depiction of figures as well as strong contrast between light and shadow are characteristics of his works. Although he was shunned by many of his contempories, Caravaggio had a great influence on artists of the following generations throughout Europe. His major works include Christ in the House of Emmaus, c. 1597, The Incredulity of Thomas, c. 1600, and David and Goliath, c. 1609.