Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio)

Caravaggio, born Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610), was an influential Italian painter known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, called chiaroscuro. His realistic portrayal of human figures and intense, emotional scenes brought a new level of immediacy to Baroque art. Often depicting biblical and mythological subjects with raw intensity, Caravaggio's work challenged traditional idealism, emphasizing naturalism. Despite a tumultuous life marked by violence and scandal, his innovative techniques revolutionized Western art and inspired countless artists, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern painting.