Summary
"M: The Man Who Became Caravaggio" by Peter Robb meticulously chronicles the tumultuous life of Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio, a painter whose revolutionary art was as dramatic as his personal existence. Born in 1571, possibly in Milan, Caravaggio's early life was shaped by the stark contrasts between his rural upbringing in Caravaggio and the violent, Spanish-controlled Milan. The book navigates through Caravaggio's initial artistic training under Simone Peterzano, a student of Titian, and explores the influences of Lombard realism and Venetian artistry on his burgeoning style.
Robb delves into Caravaggio's formative years, highlighting the impact of the plague, family tragedies, and the strict religious environment of the Counter-Reformation. These experiences deeply influenced his artistic vision, setting him apart from contemporaries. The narrative traces his journey to Rome around 1592, a city teeming with artistic ambition and social strife. Robb paints a vivid picture of Caravaggio's early struggles, from his initial destitution to his eventual employment in the workshop of Giuseppe Cesari, where he honed his skills in still-life painting.
The biography illuminates Caravaggio's rise to fame, marked by groundbreaking works like "The Fortune Teller" and "The Cardsharps," which challenged artistic conventions with their raw realism and psychological depth. Robb explores Caravaggio's relationships with influential patrons such as Cardinal Francesco Maria Del Monte, who provided him with both protection and artistic freedom. However, Robb also emphasizes Caravaggio's turbulent personal life, characterized by frequent brawls, legal entanglements, and a growing reputation as a rebellious figure.
As Caravaggio's fame grew, so did the controversies surrounding his work, particularly his religious paintings, which often clashed with the conservative values of the Church. Robb examines the complex interplay between Caravaggio's artistic genius and the social and political forces that shaped his destiny. The book also explores Caravaggio's relationships with models and followers like Cecco Boneri, whose presence profoundly influenced his art and personal life.
Following a brutal murder in 1606, Caravaggio fled Rome, embarking on a peripatetic journey through Naples, Malta, and Sicily. Robb traces his movements, highlighting the artistic achievements and personal turmoil that marked this period. The narrative culminates in Caravaggio's mysterious death in 1610, shrouded in uncertainty and intrigue. Robb challenges conventional accounts of his death, suggesting the possibility of murder and implicating powerful figures who sought to silence the artist.
Throughout the book, Robb interweaves detailed analyses of Caravaggio's major works with a rich tapestry of historical context, bringing to life the vibrant and often dangerous world in which the artist lived and worked. The author discusses the legacy of Caravaggio, exploring his profound impact on subsequent generations of painters and his enduring relevance as a symbol of artistic rebellion and innovation.