"Martha and Mary Magdalene" (detail), ca. 1598, by Caravaggio (Detroit Museum of Art)
In his short and turbulent life (1571–1610), Caravaggio single-handedly changed the direction of European painting. Although to a large extent self-taught, his originality as a composer of visual images is so great that there were few prominent European painters of the next three generations who did not strongly feel his indelible influence. Their greatest debt to him was what they learned about intensifying the spiritual drama of a scene by using lighting effects that today we think of as cinematic.
In a richly illustrated program, art historian Nigel McGilchrist follows Caravaggio’s life and development as a painter, and looks at the unique optical tools he used and at the circle of brilliant scientists whose company he kept. His sublime works emerge against the backdrop of the often-violent, and ultimately tragic, events that shaped his extraordinary life. He also looks at the influence that his unforgettable vision had on Bernini, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Vermeer, and Goya in particular.
McGilchrist lived for two decades in Rome and has lectured on the history of art at universities in the United States and in Rome.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
For Ticket Holders: Use the Freer Gallery's Independence Avenue entrance. The Jefferson Drive entrance will be closed at the time of the program.
