Caravaggio

The dramatic realism of Caravaggios art has fascinated viewers since the seventeenth century. Yet no prior monograph presents the thorough investigation of Caravaggios realism ventured in John Varrianos remarkable book. Forgoing the life and works format of most earlier monographs, Varriano concentrates on uncovering the principles and practicesthe intellect and the imaginationthat guided Caravaggios eye and brush as he made some of the most controversial paintings in the history of art. Caravaggios irascible personality, libertine sexual preferences, and lawless, even murderous, behavior have attracted as much heated commentary as his realism. Varriano sheds important new light on these disputes by tracing the autobiographical threads in Caravaggios paintings and framing these within the context of contemporary Italian culture. Ultimately, Varriano links Caravaggios aggressive persona and innovative methods to changes taking place throughout seventeenth-century Europe. Caravaggio: The Art of Realism begins with a highly original investigation of the artists studio practices. In subsequent chapters, Varriano discusses Caravaggios response to the material culture of his day, his use of gesture and expression, and his eroticism and violence as well as other issues central to the painters legendary realism. Caravaggio: The Art of Realism will appeal to students and the general reader as well as to specialists in the field. Varriano has a gift for presenting complex scholarship in a clear, accessible way. The book contains numerous color illustrations that will help readers experience Caravaggios art and follow the authors informative discussion of such famed paintings as Love Victorious and David with the Head of Goliath.