Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was an Italian painter from 1571 - 1610 has lived. His father is from the village of Caravaggio, a town of near Bergamo in Italy.He died at the age of 39, probably of malaria. His works are characterized by a realistic image composition from representing religious and everyday motifs.
The combination of attention to detail by the style of "realism" and an obliquely incident light on figures and gestures was unique at that time in painting. It was the style of Caravaggio, which influenced many painters of the Baroque. Caravaggio has made nearly 50 oil paintings in his 20-year creative period from 1591 to his death.
The combination of attention to detail by the style of "realism" and an obliquely incident light on figures and gestures was unique at that time in painting. It was the style of Caravaggio, which influenced many painters of the Baroque. Caravaggio has made nearly 50 oil paintings in his 20-year creative period from 1591 to his death.
The art theft of Caravaggio's "Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence"
The painting has the dimensions of 258 x 197cm and is therefore unusually large. It hung up at the time of theft on the altar of the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo. On October 18th in 1969, unknown persons stole the painting. The canvas was cut from the frame and was probably rolled together to have an easier theft transport.
The Sicilian Mafia became a major suspect, although there was and is no evidence. The whereabouts of the painting is still a mystery. Through the testimony of an imprisoned Mafia member the painting seems to have been stolen to support a business deal.
However, the painting hasn't been carefully stored and was subsequently forgot, so it deeply weathered. It should then have been destroyed or thrown away. Should this be the truth, it would be a scandal for all art lovers - and for the Italian Mafia.
The Sicilian Mafia became a major suspect, although there was and is no evidence. The whereabouts of the painting is still a mystery. Through the testimony of an imprisoned Mafia member the painting seems to have been stolen to support a business deal.
However, the painting hasn't been carefully stored and was subsequently forgot, so it deeply weathered. It should then have been destroyed or thrown away. Should this be the truth, it would be a scandal for all art lovers - and for the Italian Mafia.
