The PBS program and book, both called “Simon Schama’s – Power of Art”, reveals that although one of my favorite artists, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610), was gloriously talented, he was also a youthful offender – violent and incorrigible. Not a mischievous “Denis the Menace” type, but, as Schama labels him – a thug. He murdered a rival! I was shocked!
But, does his anger and madness show in Caravaggio’s art? Maybe.
Considered part of the early Italian Baroque style of painting, his work, perhaps as a way of seeking redemption, focused on biblical themes – but, if you look at the faces, you will notice that there are no cherubs or saints, his paintings are inhabited by the people that he found in the local taverns with all their blemishes and wrinkles. I’ve found his work to be vibrant and alive regardless of its theme – card players or John the Baptist – full of energy, often full of violence, always very up close and in your face.
BTW – Caravaggio was like Alfred Hitchcock, who always had a walk through in his movies and TV shows – the artist liked to paint himself into the middle of his scenes – with a table of card sharks, with a group of musicians and most notably, he served himself up as the “…Head of Goliath”.
Images: “David with the Head of Goliath”, 1607, oil on wood and “The Cardsharps, 1594” oil on canvas