Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

Caravaggio

"Entombment"

Oil on canvas

9' 10 1/8" x 6' 7 15/16"

1603

Biography:

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was born September 29, 1571. He was an Italian artist who was specialized in Baroque type style of art. He was trained as a painter in Milan by "Simone Peterzano." He handled his success horribly and was even jailed a few times. He would purposely engage in fights and made it almost impossible to get along with him. He killed a man in 1606 and ran away. The pope had a death warrant out for him and he became unknown after his death. Not till later was he re looked at and brought back into the light. He died from a fever in July 18, 1610, at only 38 years old. 

Artist's Statement:

This has been said of Caravaggio's piece "Entombment." "This work includes all the hallmarks of caravaggio's distinctive style: the plebeian figure types, the stark use of darks and lights and the invitation to the viewer to participate in the scene."

(Fred S. Kleiner, 2010, P.539)

Background information:

Caravaggio's piece had a "Theological Implications." He made it look to the audience that the men carrying Jesus were laying him on the rock altar below him. He used that to give a "visual form to the doctrine of transubstantiation, (the transformation of the Eucharistic bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.)"(Fred S. Kleiner, 2010, P.539) He used Christ's body to make a point and draw your attention towards the center of the painting. It is now kept in a museum though where many can not enjoy or see that emotional experience form the painting. 

Connection: This piece was very similar to "Mantegna's" piece of Christ. They both show and symbolize the death of Christ. I choose this because of the great detail and depth he showed in this painting. The way he positioned his figures and gave the audience a front view of Christ. The despair and sadness on the people's faces surrounding him. I feel the dark background leaves a lonely, desolate feeling, drawing your attention to Christ's dead body.