Caravaggio's Technique

How Caravaggio painted.
Oil painting in Italy at the beginning of the seventeenth century, the technique of Caravaggio.
The video traces the techniques used by Caravaggio to paint his works: from the use of engravings and red / brown preparations, to the practice of painting directly without drawing through the use of preliminary color sketches.
ARTEnet - artenet.it/caravaggio-techniq...
Works and sources consulted:
AA.VV., L’ultimo Caravaggio e la cultura artistica a Napoli, in Sicilia e a Malta, atti del convegno, Siracusa-Malta, aprile 1987, a cura di M. Calvesi col coordinamento di L. Striglia, Siracusa, Ediprint 1987
M. Gregori, Come dipingeva il Caravaggio, in Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, come nascono i capolavori, a cura di M. Gregori, Catalogo della mostra (Firenze, Roma 1992), Milano: Electa 1991, pp. 13-30;
R. Lapucci, La tecnica del Caravaggio: materiali e metodi, pp. 31-51;
S. Rinaldi, Qualità di superficie nelle due versioni della Buona ventura di Caravaggio, “Ricerche di Storia dell’arte”, 51, Roma, Bulzoni 1976, pp. 27-30;
AA.VV., Identificazione di un Caravaggio : nuove tecnologie per una rilettura del San Giovanni Battista, a cura di Gianpaolo Correale, Venezia, Marsilio 1990;
M. Calvesi, Le realtà del Caravaggio, Torino, G. Einaudi, 1990;
M. Cinotti, Caravaggio: la vita e l’opera, Bergamo, Bolis 1991;
AA.VV., Come dipingeva il Caravaggio : atti della Giornata di studio, a cura di M. Gregori, Milano, Electa 1996;
AA.VV., Il seppellimento di santa Lucia del Caravaggio: indagini radiografiche e riflettografiche, a cura di G. Barbera e R. Lapucci, Siracusa, Galleria regionale di Palazzo Bellomo 1996;
M. Gregori, R. Lapucci, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio e i suoi primi seguaci, Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi, Arti Grafiche Aa 1997;
M. Gregori, Un nuovo ‘Davide e Golia’ del Caravaggio, in “Paragone”, LI , 603, 2001, pp. 11-22; M. T.
Schneider Per un nuovo ‘Davide’ del Caravaggio: relazione tecnica, in “Paragone”, LI , 603, 2001, pp. 23-28;
AA.VV., Caravaggio e i Giustiniani: toccar con mano una collezione del Seicento, a cura di S. Danesi Squarzina, Milano, Electa 2001;
AA.VV., Sulle orme di Caravaggio: tra Roma e la Sicilia, a cura di V. Abbate, Venezia, Marsilio 2001
M. Cinotti, La mostra, in Novità sul Caravaggio, Saggi e contributi, a cura di M. Cinotti, Cinisello Balsamo (Milano) 1975, pp. 215-250
M. Cinotti, Michelangelo Merisi detto il Caravaggio. Tutte le opere, con saggio introduttivo di G. A. Dell’Acqua, Bergamo, Poligrafiche Bolis 1983
R. Longhi, Un originale del Caravaggio a Rouen e il problema delle copie caravaggesche, in “Paragone”, XI, n. 121, 1960, pp. 23-36
R. E. Spear, Caravaggio and His Followers, Cleveland, 1971
K. Christiansen, Caravaggio and “l’esempio davanti del naturale”, in “The Art Bullettin”, LXVIII, 3, 1986, pp. 421-445
G.B. Armenini, (1586), ed cons. a cura di P. Barocchi, Scritti d’arte del Cinquecento, Milano-Napoli, 1973, p. 2289
G. B. Volpato, in M. P. Merrifield, cit., 1849, p.737
G. P. Bellori, Le vite de’ pittori , scultori e architetti moderni(1672), ma si cita dall’ed. curata da E. Borea e G.
Previtali, cit., 1976, p. 209
G. Baglione, Le vite de’ pittori scultori et architetti. Dal Pontificato di Gregorio XIII del 1572 in fino a’ tempi di Papa Urbano Ottavo nel 1642, Roma 1642
G. P. Bellori (1672), ed. cons. E. Borea e G. Previtali, cit., 1976, p. 215

[@sebour8179]

Can't believe I watched this for free.

[@f1l4nn1m]

Welcome to Italy.

[@senglomein5766]

sick, 666th like was mine.

[@Kee-kay]

Same. I was looking for something that ended up being this and I was willing to spend for it.

[@anooppk801]

I have seen the same comment on similar videos. I'm not sure if it was your,was it??

[@argiraselene7907]

We are lucky to watch this for free!

[@saptaparnighosh554]

Also let's talk about how talented the artist is, the one who's painting

[@SmooshGoo]

Ikr?? how do you get that good 🤯

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Oh, my goodness, yes, what an immense reproductive & technical excellence!

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

@@SmooshGoo Practice Observation Study of Anatomy, Fabric, Light & Shadow, Paint brush techniques Natural ability for understanding the principles of application of paint Also, editing of the video skillfully

[@SmooshGoo]

@@catherinejustcatherine1778 I'm usually curious to know how a professional artist really started practicing, I'm sure theres no clear cut way but Its usually hard to pin point what is the most important to improving your anatomy. I usually hear life drawing or, quick studies as the number one thing. Which makes sense since it helps you create an imaginary skeleton.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

@@SmooshGoo Both life drawing and quick studies help. Everyone is so different. Some people, it helps to look at anatomy, others just get sick to their stomach. Sometimes it helps to do just the background, not the figure. Sometimes it helps to look at the figure, but not at your paper. Sometimes it helps to do that, but use your finger on the canvas or paper, just getting a feel for it. Sometimes it helps to use big brushes that represent large areas (entire width of the figure's limbs or body), practicing the feel and flow of the whole form. Maybe it helps to drape the figure in clinging cloth & just draw the folds. The point is to get a feel for how all bodies are the same, and the ways that each is different. You could put dots for all the joints and connect them to make a skeleton. You could just draw light and shadow, Or just geometric shapes, like some picassos. You could project bright light on the body and trace the shadows. Perhaps a model would let you paint light & shadow on their skin, so you could feel it with the bristles of the brush, in three dimensions.

[@senglomein5766]

So nice of Caravaggio to let you guys film while he painted.

[@ronagoodwell2709]

And when Caravaggio was done painting for the "day" he would unwind in a tavern, get wasted, and brawl with some complete stranger and end up passed out in an alley. At some point he would wake up and start in again--until one day he didn't. Such is the life of a god on earth.

[@yseson_]

Most artist I know are hedonist, were all drinkers some are fighters some are lovers it's usually with strangers

[@winterdesert1]

Sounds like a fun life...except for the hangover part.

[@calum66]

Or a Devil ?

[@miamibodycast3556]

@@yseson_ you are 100% accurate in this assessment

[@charlottecreasy4183]

sounds like my life only the brawling is more a bitching online, anonymously. But very satisfying specially when in bitching with likeminded people. And having small children, my drinking is done at home, not in a tavern. But it all boils down to the same thing!

[@manicangel7796]

My all-time, hands-down, absolute favorite artist. The dark backgrounds, intense facial expressions and the flawlessness of robes/dress is unprecedented. Thanks so much for this video :)

[@tomvalveede6808]

manic angel If you are ever in Kansas City, plan to visit the Nelson-Atkins museum of art. There you will see Carravagio's St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness. It's shown very briefly in this video. A seated man with a Drapery in bright, vivid, Scarlett. It's Fantastic!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@karaamundson3964]

I love the guy, too. Also Alexander Calder for o such different reasons. Caravaggio slays me tho

[@DC-zi6se]

Rembrandt would probably agree. 🙂

[@lqteralus]

@@tomvalveede6808 it is amazing in person!

[@tomvalveede6808]

@@lqteralus Whenever l visit the Nelson, l must stop to look at this great painting! And have lunch at the Rozelle Court. Kind of pricey but, well worth it! 😃👍🍀🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@kirstenrichards8558]

Absolutely fascinating. And I can't believe that he didn't draw any preliminary sketches, beforehand, he just went straight into it onto the canvas, no messing around.

[@Orilexify]

the skill he had is incredible

[@vancarbus]

No preliminary drawings, because he used optics to trace the scene straight on to the canvas.

[@SebastianAlabaster]

@louiciousthewerewolf4819 projected images, they have been used for centrys from what i know

[@faithteel974]

Read "Secret Knowlege" by David Hockney@louiciousthewerewolf4819

[@DJarry394]

This is great. A REAL painting lesson, not some slap-dash one-stroke schlock

[@as-eb7go]

"Schlock?!!" LOL! OMG, THAT'S my new word, right there!

[@potatomanboooi3105]

what in the name of gods does shlock mean

[@as-eb7go]

@@potatomanboooi3105 Middle high German, for damaged goods.

[@potatomanboooi3105]

@@as-eb7go so a german damaged something cuz he is only 50% on drugs.i get it

[@seife41]

@@as-eb7go No, it is not german at all.

[@KayAccords]

Going back in time to film Caravaggio himself as he painted was a stroke of genius I must say!

[@Helen-us1ly]

You're demonstration painting is outstanding. The radical restoration at the end was heartbreaking hundreds of years erased in minutes.

[@karribies]

I could literally put the painting the person made here in my living room and call it a renaissance masterpiece and EVERYONE would believe it's just that good

[@joshruzzelcarino7123]

The best tutorial Learned a lot more than my art class

[@DaviSilva-oc7iv]

Ars technica.

[@zhongliismyhusband2684]

Caravaggio's technique: Talent

[@stvp68]

And lots of hard work

[@HladgerdKissinger]

Talent exists, but hard work decides the quality of the artist.

[@stvp68]

@Shine💫 I think it’s a relic of the Romanticist emphasis on the genius of the artist and their direct inspiration, which never needed revision.

[@athulfgeirsson]

@honk honk says: And the propensity to actually master the technical skill; so, essentially all aspects of painting.

[@winter550]

This is an insult i guess, just think how much hard work and effort that had been put in that artpiece

[@vioipos]

I think that Caravaggio is one of the greatests ,if not the greatest artist/painter ever. The LIGHT, the faces, the structure of the frames, they are sooo dramatic, that can only be described as divine.

[@Gverri]

This channel is pure gold. Viva l'arte italiana

[@lucasariel3133]

Very interesting. I once tried to do a copy from caravaggio and now I see how much easier it would have been if I had watched this video first

[@ARTEnet1]

It is a good result for me that you think this. I would like to see your old painting compare with the new one when it's finished. Thanks for the comment

[@sarahbetts5606]

In exactly the same situation. Might do a before and after

[@davidmunk7575]

Hello sir, can you tell if that is wet in wet or did they thin the colors or how did the top color flow that well?

[@davidmunk7575]

13:18 and what did there just happen

[@mikeB.derMaler]

@@davidmunk7575 that´s called "oiling out". you put a little bit of linseed oil on the painting to match the dry colors to the fresh...

[@myagrimm4719]

This was such a well made and we'll researched video, thank you for putting so much time and effort into it!

[@johnpaulthornton419]

Excellent Video! So well produced and filmed. I recently was in Rome viewing Caravaggio's paintings up close and was able to discern these same practices shown here, in his surfaces. His direct-painting method set him apart, and his luminous light areas glow with strength, causing others artist's works to appear dainty or over-wrought. His half-tones are also so distinct and warm. Thank you very much for this well-communicated information. Much gratitude!

[@ARTEnet1]

What you say is very important, already in the early 80s, teaching the diagnostic techniques and photographic documentation applicable to paintings, I stressed the importance of appreciating and evaluating (through particular shooting methods such as raking light) a work of art in its "physical consistency" which (absurdly) one of the main means of documentation, photography, has often made alien to the general public. If you have managed to see this through a video and a screen it is a great achievement for me. Thank you very much for your intervention. Manfredi

[@as-eb7go]

Direct painting... I'm just learning. What does that mean?

[@br2266]

I feel like my IQ went up 50 points.

[@christopherwalker6056]

Only 50? 🤪

[@jutta3378]

Caravaggio's approach just shows the immense confidence of the artist.

[@dumoulin11]

As a painter this is both enlightening and inspiring. Thank you!!!

[@ARTEnet1]

Thanks, this for me is a great result

[@StarLight0197]

Wow amazing to learn how he made the paintings, I’m an art student this helped me so much, thank you!

[@VDArtworks]

Caravaggio, the epitome of artistic brilliance. The mastery of light, the intensity of expression, the composition of frames, all exuding an unparalleled dramatic flair. A true testament to divine artistry.

[@Ikokaoniko]

Merisi. Not only what he truly was, but also the whole of his life around it. An icon.

[@Red_Rebel]

I wished I had this channel back when I had art history classes! But I’m glad I have this to watch for inspirations and close studies.

[@gooliamo]

Enthralling! I feel like I was watching the hands of Caravaggio himself! I love everything about Caravaggio: his life, his escapades, his art.

[@sofialanfranco4988]

Im in love with these videos! Thank you for uploading them!

[@leonidasCorfu]

Thank you for the translated version! It is much appreciated!

[@astaganaga1906]

This is amazing work. Thank you for putting this up on KZbin.

[@carlpen850]

In my early years as an art student I was very much impressed by the works of Caravaggio, his use of curo scuro is still something that I apply in many of my works today

[@ARTEnet1]

"chiaroscuro", all attached. 😃 Thanks for sharing your experiences here

[@slimyshady]

Ringraziamo voi per questo video. Che belli!

[@davidg4239]

Most Excellent video on Caravaggio's technique I have yet seen thank you!

[@jcapril1]

So beautiful to learn about the techniques of perhaps the greatest figurative painter ever. Beautiful!

[@alangeorgebarstow]

Utterly captivating. Thank you.

[@nemo9540]

I love his work, each painting is a drama in which the viewer is drawn in to the scene which was unapologetically raw and dark. His life is a fascinating story from his humble beginnings to the day he ran away from murdering a fellow painter in an unauthorised duel. Also the time he wasind7fted into the the fellowship of the Maltese cross who commissioned one of the biggest paintings caravagio ever did. The last painting he did was David holding the head of goliath which was intended to be a gift to the pope in gratitude for his pardon. The night before he was to set sail he got drunk a started a fight in a tavern for which he was jailed overnight which made him miss his ship with his painting on board. It is said he tried to run to the next port to catch up but ended up running through a muddy bog region where he contracted malaria. It is said he died on the beach watching his ship go by though if he did end up getting back to Rome he would have been executed as the pope was said to have been insulted by his gift in which caravagio used his own head as a model for the head of goliath.

[@ManjotSingh-hy8ch]

He is one of my favorite artists, thankyou for such a deep detail about his work. ♥️

[@peterlfc1387]

The light and texture in these paintings are beautiful.

[@michaelkrief2895]

This is priceless thank you for this video

[@BeogradskiPlatan]

Amazing, I am so happy that I found this gem! Priceless to me...

[@saptaparnighosh554]

This was really informative. Makes me more interested in art history. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece

[@scottprendergast5262]

Wonderful indeed! Real classroom style ! Thank you so much.

[@josephasghar]

I learned so much by watching the painting take shape. Thank you.

[@EmperorMoth]

I'm definitely gonna try his technique. I love the use of dramatic shadows in his pieces.

[@alexanderphd]

Helpful, informative, and interesting. Thank you.

[@Spasstinette]

Your channel is a blessing

[@lantanalanta1709]

I watch it again and again!

[@LuliLulu]

This is wonderful I’m glad I found your channel 😃

[@duncancarr7822]

fantastic... loved this! thank you

[@ThaX14]

So cool they found actual footage of him painting

[@kennethmoore7910]

Thanks for the gallery tour! Really very enlightening/refreshing...Thank You and best wishes...

[@Miakhano]

So simple and so ingenious.

[@zanepritchard6952]

This is amazing! Fascinating!

[@ellabendavar1956]

This is incredible. I am so lucky to be watching this rn.

[@georgefrench1907]

Brilliant. Thank you.

[@mohamedalmiladi2852]

Thank you guys , very helpful

[@emmanuelperaltapaintings6371]

Amazing painting and techniques

[@connermoss1994]

This is amazing. Thank you so much.

[@WonderTracks]

Amazing! Thank you for this.

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Wow, this was amazing and fascinating...I felt like I was almost watching Caravaggio himself! I love his art.

[@scottalexanderart]

Wonderful video 😃 Caravaggio will always be a favourite of mine. Great information. Thank you for posting 👍💕

[@SwaggFemaleWeezy]

Great video ! I’m glad that I found this channel 😃

[@anitacigarette]

That was relaxing to watch, & informative. Thanks!

[@AntPDC]

A wonderful upload regarding Caravaggio's supreme artistry indeed! Thank you very much - it was greatly appreciated.

[@lex6694]

[@NehaSharma-oh5lu]

Wonderful, excellent work

[@rebeccagarrardart]

Fascinating

[@kjyhh]

Gorgeous!

[@nasrihanna2292]

Thank you we need more of it to learn more . That’s what I’m seriously looking for. Thank you again.

[@ARTEnet1]

A little at a time, slowly: it is not easy to create reliable content on this topic but if we see that it is appreciated we will not stop. Thanks for the comment

[@psychomantis183]

This was fantastic, thanks.

[@tilensmole3684]

that is one beautiful video. thank you!

[@fl7210]

AMAZING PRESENTATION!

[@bruceweldanlee2209]

Thanks for sharing

[@JuanluisRamofarfan]

Beautiful thanks so much for to explain the history!!!

[@ruthmoore2246]

Great job. Thank you.

[@egg9214]

This helps a lot. Thank you

[@lllXRlll]

Thank you for sharing this

[@trout3212001]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@chuffatrainman]

Absolutely fascinating thank you.

[@hfutuggigi5403]

Wow I love this. This video is so well made. 🙏

[@kiwijase1]

Absolutely amazing fantastic video thanks

[@nv7287]

Wow this was so amazing

[@jimqartworks]

Beautiful, THANKS so much

[@chipwalter4490]

Amazing

[@SatSukhArt]

Love your artwork! absolutely amazing... 😍🌟🌟🙂

[@pmajudge]

AH!!! MY FAVOURITE PAINTER ---- CARAVAGGIO---- LOVED ALL HIS WORKS INDEED !!! FROM U.K.(2021).

[@jeffhreid]

Amazing to learn the those paintings were painted ala prima! Incredible

[@ARTEnet1]

Maybe it is more correct to say "alla seconda" 😀 Thanks for your comment!

[@ARTEnet1]

@KATYO the scientific tests carried out on Caravaggio's paintings revealed layers of color superimposed on the first sketch. the painting was almost finished alla prima but not finished

[@Pstanich]

Wonderful ❤

[@debbiejohnson2789]

Fantastic!

[@quasar1798]

beautiful work!

[@carlosvalery8379]

Caravaggio , un genio absoluto del claroscuro , vi sus obras en un libro cuando tenía 13 años , no sabia nada de pintura ( ahora tampoco) pero quedé maravillado por esas imágenes tan reales, tan vívidas , inmersas en atmósferas dramáticas y de una fuerza que no era imposible no percibir. Me enamoré al instante de esas pinturas y de su autor , desde luego que un amor a su maestría, su imaginación y su originalidad. Caravaggio un grande !!!!!!

[@davidpauker]

Absolutely riviting!!!

[@frank1672]

Fascinating.

[@whitesnow744]

soooo amazing!😍😍

[@bornthisway357]

lovely video

[@lastranger]

thanks alot .... i am really thankful to you

[@davidhill1220]

Gifted beyond belief Patricia

[@drum877]

This was amazing

[@kamilasoares9802]

wOW, this magic! i love it

[@1Ma9iN8tive]

Astonishing technique ...

[@kayking4884]

Great informative video thank you for sharing x

[@davidasher3624]

Very lovely video. As a photographer that's how I choose to capture reality. To capture ideas; that's how I paint. Great walk through! You're amazing!

[@nicoleheinemeyer]

Thanks so much for sharing and efforts❤💐