Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, known simply as Caravaggio, revolutionized the art world of the late 16th and early 17th centuries with his revolutionary use of light and shadow, intense naturalism, and dramatic realism. Born in Milan in 1571, Caravaggio's tumultuous life was as vivid as his art. Caravaggio began his artistic journey as an apprentice to Simone Peterzano, a mannerist painter in Milan. Unsatisfied with the constraints of the Milanese art scene, he moved to Rome, where his iconic style would flourish. His early works, such as "Boy with a Basket of Fruit" and "The Cardsharps," displayed his knack for portraying everyday life with unparalleled realism. His breakthrough came with "The Calling of Saint Matthew," a masterpiece commissioned for the Contarelli Chapel in Rome. Caravaggio's use of chiaroscuro, a stark contrast between light and dark, became a signature element. His paintings not only captured the physical reality but also the emotional intensity of the moment. Caravaggio's life was as dramatic as his art. His combative nature and involvement in brawls were mirrored in his intense, often controversial paintings. His realistic depictions of religious subjects, infused with a raw and human quality, stirred both admiration and controversy. In 1606, Caravaggio's life took a dark turn when he was involved in a fatal brawl that led to a death sentence. Fleeing Rome, he lived the last years of his life in a state of exile, producing some of his most profound works, including "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist." His emotional turmoil found expression in the intensity of his art. Caravaggio died under mysterious circumstances in 1610, just shy of his 39th birthday. His legacy, however, endured. His influence on the Baroque movement was profound, inspiring artists like Rembrandt and influencing the emergence of tenebrism in art. Despite his controversial lifestyle, Caravaggio's genius was recognized posthumously. His radical realism and dramatic lighting techniques challenged artistic conventions, laying the groundwork for the Baroque and influencing countless artists throughout the centuries. Today, Caravaggio's paintings are celebrated for their emotional depth, compelling narratives, and revolutionary approach to light and shadow, ensuring his place as one of the most iconic figures in the history of art.