Caravaggio was born on September 28, 1573 in Caravaggio, Italy.  His real name is Michelangelo Merisis.  As an adult, he became known by the name of his birthplace, Caravaggio.

Caravaggio was the most revolutionary artist of his time.  His paintings are extremely realistic and dramatic.  He often portrayed images that people did not want to see like people bleeding or

dying.  These subjects were not very popular.  People wanted to see beautiful people and places. 

Caravaggio used models from the lower classes of society in his works.  He liked their look and natural way of doing their work. 

Caravaggio introduced a dramatic use of light in his paintings.  His paintings are

filled with dramatic light and dark effects.  This way of using light became known as Chiaroscuro.  It helped to create intense shadows and drama within his paintings.  It also gave depth to the flat surface of the paintings.

Caravaggio died on July 10, 1610.  He is considered the best naturalistic painter of the 17th Century.