Michelangelo Merisi was an Italian artist who lived in the 16th century.  Caravaggio was a nickname that he picked up as a result of being born in the Italian town of Caravaggio, near Bergamo.

Now Caravaggio was not just some guy slaving away in a studio to satisfy the whims of a temperamental patroness.  No, Caravaggio was a criminal and a fugitive.  He’d usually be leaving town when his painting were being shown.  I will never forget watching the English Patient with the Willem Defoe character playing David Caravaggio, who himself was a thief.  That was interesting.

OK a little digression there.

Needless to say, Caravaggio is hands down one of my favorite painters.  I thought I was going to have to go to Italy to even see one Caravaggio but the paintings are here in Boston.  And they are completely amazing.  Of course more amazing than when I saw them in books.  And full of great stories.  Which is what makes good art great.

I am a Caravisti.  Photos: