Essay On Caravaggio

Compare/Contrast the Artists – Painters Michelangelo Merisi known as Caravaggio and Johannes Vermeer were breakout artists of the 17th century. Caravaggio was around in the early 17th century Italy and was thought of as the most famous painter in Rome. Vermeer was from the Netherlands and little known about his early years. His artwork became famous in the 19th century long after his death. Both are well known for their masterpieces all around the world and are highly respected for their contributions to the art scene. Caravaggio was born in Milan, Italy in 1573 and his family moved to Caravaggio in 1576. In 1584 he went into apprenticeship under the painter of the Lombard, Simone Peterzano. He was offered the chance to paint the church of San Luigi dei Francesi. Upon the completion he was bashed, ridiculed and criticized due to its “realistic and dramatic nature.” After this he relocated to Naples he was hailed as a
He also painted works that detailed his era. For example, “The Calling of St. Matthew,” the painting depicts men sitting around a table, presumably counting the days take. Jesus happens to walk in, but everything about that painting does not fit the era of when Jesus was around, but more so the era that Caravaggio was living in. His portraits are very realistic and intense. Namely, “Conversion of St. Paul” and “Death of a Virgin.”
Unlike Caravaggio, Vermeer tended to paint his works around his Dutch heritage. Many times this entailed paintings of women. Compared to Caravaggio, Vermeer’s painting took on a more laid back appeal. Some of these paintings include “Woman with a Pearl Necklace” and “Woman Holding a Balance.” Everyday life seemed to be what inspired many of Vermeer’s works. In Caravaggio’s paintings there is a lot of sadness and dark scenes dealing with religion. Vermeer’s paintings stayed more to the life he