Genius, criminal, revolutionary artist, ascetic, bravo, dandy, murderer, rebel, sceptic, sensualist, fugitive, mocker, lay brother – all descriptions of one man – Caravaggio. He was the painter who invented cinematic light to quote David Jarman. He was both famous and infamous in his own time, but fell from favour in art history until the 20th century, since when he has become like a rock star. We shall discuss his early beginnings in plague torn Milan, his arrival in the debauchery of Rome and his “discovery” by the great and the good. Then came his fall from grace, his escape and his life on the run, followed by his early death.
Course aim
This course will give a glimpse into the world of the most influential artist of the Baroque - both good and (very) bad. We will talk about the work and about his tempestuous life and the impact it had on others.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
- This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in art history.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- 1.Evaluate the impact of the images discussed upon others both then and later.
- Relate the impact of the social context to the artist’s work.
- Understand how artists achieve the effects credited to their work and their influence on other artists
- Use new skills to selectively view items in galleries
What else do I need to know?
No, nothing. Just an interested mind.
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