1. Michelangelo Merisi, dit Le Caravage (Milan 1571 - Porto Ercole 1610), David avec la tête du géant Goliath, c. 1606, Huile sur toile, 119,5 x 94,5 cm, Zurich, collection particulière.
Caravaggio and his wider circle and era
The exhibition "Caravaggio and his time," curated by Pierluigi Carofano, showcases six original works by the artist, tracing his journey from training in Lombardy to Rome and Naples, culminating in the final years of his tragic life.
Alongside Caravaggio's works, visitors will encounter original works by other masters who embraced his naturalistic approach, as well as those who pursued alternative paths, enriching the 17th-century figurative culture with diverse influences. Some artists remained loyal to the late Mannerist tradition.
In the exhibition's concluding sections, the influence of Caravaggio on subsequent generations is acknowledged, highlighting the phenomenon of "after Caravaggio".
The displayed masterpieces, including some from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, offer visitors a comprehensive exploration of '"Caravaggism". Alongside Caravaggio, featured artists include Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi, Guercino, Annibale Carracci, and Simone Peterzano.
Caravaggio's life and style
2. Michelangelo Merisi, dit Le Caravage (Milan 1571 - Porto Ercole 1610), L'arracheur de dents, 1608 - 1610, Huile sur toile, 139,5 x 194,5 cm, Florence, Gallerie degli Uffizi, INV. 1890 nr.5682
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, commonly known as Caravaggio (1571–1610), was a revolutionary Italian painter whose artistic genius left an indelible mark on the history of Western art.
Born in Milan, Caravaggio spent much of his artistic career in Rome, where he developed a distinctive style that combined observation of human emotion and a dramatic use of light and shadow, a technique known as "chiaroscuro".
His pictures often depicted scenes of violence, passion, and spirituality, capturing pivotal moments with a visceral intensity that set him apart from his contemporaries. One of his most famous works, "The Calling of Saint Matthew," exemplifies his mastery of "chiaroscuro" and his ability to imbue his subjects with a profound sense of humanity.
Caravaggio's artistic innovations were not limited to his technique, he also challenged traditional artistic conventions by using ordinary people as models and infusing his religious subjects with a gritty quality.
His unorthodox approach to painting earned him both admirers and critics, and his volatile temperament often landed him in trouble with authorities.
Despite his controversial reputation, Caravaggio's influence on the development of Baroque art was immense. His use of "chiaroscuro" and his emphasis on emotional expression paved the way for a new generation of artists, including Peter Paul Rubens, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Rembrandt van Rijn, who were inspired by his bold artistic vision.
On the other hand, his style and technique were not invented by the artist, but rather improved. Thus, Caravaggio made the technique a dominant stylistic element, darkening the shadows and transfixing the subject in a blinding shaft of light. To do so, the artist had to have an acute observation of physical and psychological reality of the seater his realistic depiction of the seater while giving the artist his "style".
During his whole career he worked from live models, but rather than making a drawing of the model before transposing it to the canvas, the artist did it directly on the support. Thus very few of Caravaggio's drawings appear to have survived.
The sections of the show and a few highlight
To present the great genius of Caravaggio, the exhibition decided to present six works of the great master in dialogue with artists of his time. Thus, the exhibition is divided in six sections:
through the eyes of Caravaggio, masters and craft shops, still life, classicism, Caravaggio: friends and enemies and Caravaggio and Caravaggesque.
Rather then presenting the artist, the show asked us some questions such as: was Caravaggio's strikingly realistic art truly the cornerstone of Italian painting until the late 19th century?
While modern scientific writing land that Caravaggio was the champion of this era, it's crucial to remember his journey, because he was actually dismissed for his crude realism by 17th-century critics like Bellori.
Thus, Caravaggio's legacy underwent a remarkable transformation over two centuries. The resurgence of interest in Caravaggio and his followers dawned in the 20th century with scholars like Lionello Venturi and Roberto Longhi, whose pioneering studies elevated Caravaggio's significance.
The Milanese exhibition of 1951 ignited a flurry of research and publications, culminating in landmark works by scholars such as Denis Mahon and Benedict Nicolson. This scholarly renaissance coined the term "Age of Caravaggio," leading to comprehensive explorations of his impact on European art.
Yet, Caravaggio's legacy remains complex. His influence spurred diverse interpretations, from faithful disciples to those embracing classicism or baroque styles. Despite the scholarly endeavor, mysteries persist, particularly regarding Caravaggio's workshop practices and the authenticity of certain works.
3. Michelangelo Merisi, dit Le Caravage (Milan 1571 - Porto Ercole 1610), La Madeleine en extase, 1610, Huile sur toile, 107,5 x 98 cm, Collection particulière
To finish off the article, I've decided to present you some of my favourite work. Starting off with "Madeleine in ecstasy" whoencapsulates the journey of Mary Magdalene, a narrative drawn from The Golden Legend of Jacques de Voragine, which flourished during Caravaggio's time.
Mary Magdalene, depicted as the most faithful follower of Christ, is said to have retreated to the southern reaches of Gaul, where she embraced a life of solitude in a cave near Aix-en-Provence, later revered as "la Sainte Baume."
While previous artists often depicted her ascending towards celestial clouds amidst a host of angels, Caravaggio delves into her spiritual experience.
Against a dark backdrop, Mary is solitary, her form illuminated by a penetrating ray of light. Her head tilts back, her eyes brimming with tears, evoking a profound sense of ecstasy and transcendence.
Caravaggio's interpretation revolutionizes the narrative, infusing it with a naturalistic sensibility that blurs the boundaries between mystical fervour and earthly desire.
My last favourite is "David with the head of the giant Goliath" (Picture 1 of the article) who captures the climactic moment of the biblical tale from the Book of Samuel, chapter 17.
It portrays the young David facing the formidable Philistine warrior Goliath in a duel, a pivotal event in the conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines.
Directed by King Saul of Israel to confront the Philistine champion, David courageously accepts the challenge, guided by the God of Israel. Armed with only a slingshot, he confronts Goliath, who is heavily armed and towering over him. Following his victory, David severs the head of the fallen giant, displaying it triumphantly to his people.
The painting, identified by art historians Denis Mahon and Mina Gregori, is believed to have been commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in 1606, reflecting Caravaggio's distinctive style during that period.
Unlike its counterpart in the Borghese Gallery, this version presents a different treatment of light and a more restrained depiction of Goliath's demise. The painting undergoes further scrutiny through radiographic examination, revealing Caravaggio's deliberate alterations and psychological nuances throughout the creative process.
"David with the head of the giant Goliath" remains a testament to Caravaggio's enduring legacy as a pioneering figure of the Baroque era, captivating viewers with his unparalleled skill in capturing the human drama and spiritual essence of biblical stories.
Informations about the exhibition
Place: Messe Basel
Date: 20.12.2023 – 7.4.2024
Curators: Pierluigi Carofamo
Ticket: Available on the website of the Exhibition OR at the front desk of the museum
Informations about the Messe Basel
Halle 5
Messe Basel
Messeplatz 10
CH-4005 Basel
Phone: +41 78 220 54 90
Mail: info@caravaggio.ch