Caravaggio (1571-1610) provides a noteworthy case study of how an artist’s fame changes over time when the works of art do not. Best known for his striking representation of light and use of naturalism, his anecdote-filled biographies led to a negative assessment of the artist and his works. The course looks at the artist’s output from an array of historical, thematic, and methodological points of view. The aim is to arrive at an understanding of Caravaggio’s works within their historical context from the 17th century to the present day. The mandatory trip may require a fee.

Satisfies "the Early Modern World" core course requirement for Art History majors

At the turn of the seventeenth century, Michelangelo Merisi (1571-1610), known as "Caravaggio", created paintings which challenged the visual and cultural norms of western art. He blurred the boundaries between sacred and profane, and dismissed ideal beauty based on correct anatomical drawing. His idiosyncratic realism, unorthodox portrayal of religious subjects, dramatic night lighting, and promotion of still-life, led the seventeenth-century biographer, G. P. Bellori, to declare that with Caravaggio "began the representation of vile things." During the decade after his death, a variety of artists followed him (the Caravaggisti) and explored his revolutionary innovations. Interest in Caravaggio spread beyond Rome, shaping the development of the Neapolitan school of painting, and influencing great artists all over Europe, such as Rubens, Rembrandt and Velàzquez. With the revived taste in antiquity in the eighteenth-century, Caravaggio (as well as baroque art) fell into oblivion. In the early twentieth century, Roberto Longhi rediscovered Caravaggio for the modern era. In fact, the perception that modern painting emerged in Caravaggio's works has made him extemely popular today. His rebellious, violent life which ended prematurely in a mysterious way have also captured the imagination of mass culture. Since the 1980s,  fascination with mythical Caravaggio as "the ill-fated, subversive modern painter" has morphed into "Caravaggiomania", producing an overwhelming avalanche of publications on his life and art, much of which fiction and movies.

This course focuses on Caravaggio's oeuvre and its historical importance. All efforts will be made to study the painter's works first hand, and in their original locations/contexts. Priority will be given to primary sources in order to obtain a solid understanding of what is known for certain about Caravaggio's life and art. Students will read selected publications in English: the monograph by Puglisi to grasp research on Caravaggio as a whole, and articles, with different methodological points of view, for analysis and discussion. Of import is discerning fact from fiction, unmasking the authors' agendas, and assessing the usefulness and significance of a wide range of interpretations of Caravaggio.

Classroom lectures, on-site visits in Rome, and an all-day trip to Naples will provide precious and ample opportunities for students to immerse themselves in Caravaggio's art and vision. In Rome, every attempt will be made to see all of his output open to the public. In Naples, Caravaggio's works in the Capodimonte Museum, the Pio Monte della Misericordia and Gallerie d'Italia will be viewed. 

The latter part of the course will focus on the reception of Caravaggio in Naples and the development of painting there.

Please note: The mandatory full-day trip to Naples requires a transportation fee by train (approximately 50 Euros). Details will be discussed on the first day of class.