CABAVAGGIO, ka'ra-va'jo, properly MichelAngelo Merisi or Mebisio (improperly Amerioi, Merioi, or. Mobigt) From (c. 1565-1609). Eminent Italian painter, founder of the naturalistic school. He is usually named after his hometown Caravaggio, in the province of Bergamo, where his father was the landlady and architect of the Marquis of Caravaggio. According to the most recent research, he probably studied for four or five years in Milan, perhaps at one of the Campi (q.v.), then spent some time in Venice. Around 1585-87 he appeared in Rome, where he was for some time associated with Cesare d'Arpino and Prospero Orsi, but persisted in following his own path. After many vicissitudes he found a patron in Cardinal del Monte who ensured his success. His talent developed very quickly. Casting aside all traditions and appealing only to nature, he became the leader of the naturalists, in opposition to the mannerists. It became very popular and even the Eclecticist imitated it. But the animosity he aroused and his own passionate nature involved him in constant arguments, even if I. he certainly didn't cause all the arguments attributed to him. It is said that he challenged Guido Reni to a duel, who imitated his work, and that he chased the harmless Guercino out of Rome. It is true, however, that he killed a companion in an argument over a game, and for this reason he had to leave Rome. He was protected and hidden near Palestrina by Duke Marzio Colonna. He painted for that nobleman until he went to Naples. In this city he founded an appreciated public, and from his activity arose a naturalistic school of great importance. He subsequently went to Malta, where he painted two portraits of the Grand Master of the... medium of paper... London has a characteristic example in "Christ and the Apostles at Emmaus". Caravaggio also painted some portraits of great realism and strength. Of his portraits of himself, the youthful example in the Uffizi (Florence) is known, but his finest portrait is probably the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, in the Louvre. Although he had no direct students, Caravaggio had a major influence on the development of modern art. The Carracci's principal pupils, such as Guido Reni and Guercino (q.v.), also studied his art, and Domenichino (q.v.) was influenced by him. He can rightly be considered the founder and leader of the naturalistic school (see Painting), and as an advocate of the return to nature, his influence extended beyond Italy to the North, where he influenced Rubens and was the forerunner of the great Dutch artists. masters of light and shadow.