It’s been reported that a Caravaggio work has been stolen from a museum in the Ukraine. The taking of this painting, known as both the Kiss of Judas and the Taking of Christ, has been, at least partially, blamed on the outdated security system of the museum. However, not to worry, there is a, nearly identical, version of the painting in Ireland.
Seeing Caravaggio in the news definitely got my attention. He’s been one of my favorite artists since I took my Baroque art class a few years ago. Perhaps it was the way that Professor Dickey presented him, or perhaps it really was the striking, contrasted style that was so different from the Renaissance, or perhaps it was his real life that intrigued me.
Some of my favorite quotes come from Professor Dickey’s lectures on Caravaggio. “Caravaggio himself, in mythological drag” and “It’s like some kind of incestuous act of charity.” Stylistically, Caravaggio made famous the dark background with dramatically lit figures that were close to the picture plane, with diagonal and asymmetrical points of interest. While the Renaissance had backgrounds dulled with atmospheric perspective and fairly even lighting, and very symetrical centric points of interest. And, as far as his real life goes (and, honestly I’ve forgotten some, I need to reread some of my Baroque art books) he was known for his (drunken?) brawls. And, his patrons who usually helped him avoid the punishments for his fighting, could do little to help him when he murdered Tomassoni. So, he fled the law and left Rome and went to Naples, and basically established himself as a painter there. He soon left Naples seeking pardon for his murder. However his brawling did not stop, and his life continued to be one of tumult and to the art world looking back, mystery. His death however has been the greatest mystery to most art historians. All that is truly known is that in late July, a publication announced the death of Caravaggio. However no body was ever found. Some say he died of an illness, some say it was the heat that got to him. Most have romanticized his death to be one of dispair (to match his artwork). However, recently someone has claimed to have found his death certificate which indicates that he died in a hospital of a fever.
I’m sure the more romantic of the art historians will comment about the recent events being appropriate for the eventful Caravaggio.