107-042 Readings in Caravaggio

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Subject Description

This subject examines the life, work and influence of a painter whose significance is attributable as much to issues of artistic identity as it is to his art. It will consider Caravaggio's formation and early background and will examine the primary documents relating to his life and career. Attention will be directed to early responses to Caravaggio from patrons and collectors, artists and early writers on Baroque art. Students will also explore the process of transmission and reinterpretation of Caravaggio's work, ranging from his influence on painters during his own lifetime to treatments of his life and art in contemporary film, literature and art. Students should complete the subject with an understanding of the varying methodologies used to interpret the work of Caravaggio and his followers, and of the social and theoretical issues arising from the study of their paintings.

Assessment

A classpaper of 2000 words and an essay of 3000 words.

Prescribed Texts

• H Hibbard, Caravaggio. Harper and Row, 1983.
• H Langdon, Caravaggio. Chatto, 1998.