Caravaggio's Taking of Christ: Great Art Explained

[@catarinaduartealmeida5224]

At this point, I am living for this series. What a marvellous job!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much - I appreciate the comment!

[@blaanga444]

I'm hooked

[@JW-dg9gf]

omg me too. watched all of them in 24 hours. need more! I love this one!

[@MC-qp3tz]

Me too! Can’t wait for more!

[@ExploringArtwithAlessandro]

He is doing a very good job: I agree

[@maryroberts9315]

Caravaggio makes us a participant in each scene, almost complicit. It is like witnessing a crime that you can't stop. His work has a nightmarish quality.

[@pankhurigupta2455]

For the love of God, never stop making these videos. They just make my day...

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh that is so nice of you - thanks for watching!

[@julzmgrforll7278]

Ok i was going to say exactly that.

[@leonardmcdermott7703]

The taking of Christ hangs in the national gallery Dublin Ireland. To say it is stunning is a major understatement, a true masterpiece.

[@GreatArtExplained]

It really is - and so lovely to have it in Dublin!

[@TheMasterTelevision]

The fact you can be an Artist with a highly recognized painting style, and you can still live on the run by painting. Patron: "hey this looks like the art of that guy who murdered a guy" Caravaggio with a fake mustache: "hah small world right haha"

[@GreatArtExplained]

It’s amazing that he wasn’t arrested because he was so talented, people turned a blind eye. Shame he couldn’t control his temper!

[@amblincork]

Italy consisted of numerous city states and was not the unified country of today,

[@MelchorMoore]

Ha! It’s more complicated than that. Check out « The Lost Painting » by Jonathan Harr. It was an investigation that went on for decades to discover that Caravaggio and M were the same painter

[@artteachernc9119]

@@GreatArtExplained but it makes him so relatable! I love knowing all this.

[@rin_etoware_2989]

funnily enough, not only did he have a _real_ moustache, he also had _really_ powerful friends. the well-known profligate Cardinal del Monte was his protector in Rome until he became too annoying to deal with. then he hid under the noble Colonna family in Naples until he became too annoying to deal with. then he went to Malta because the head of the Knights there, Alof de Wignacourt, liked his style, until he became too annoying to deal with. then he tried to curry favor with another cardinal, Scipione Borghese, but he died before he became too annoying to deal with.

[@Neimykanani]

A true artist, punching a hole in his own apartment so he can get more light in his studio

[@eviloverlordsean]

what a legend!!! guess he felt he didn't need that security deposit...

[@muhchung]

Except that you don't want to be his landlord. LOL

[@paulavitoria1798]

@@muhchung Actually his landlady sued him for that and not paying the rent for six months, as he had fled to Genoa.

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

This "true artist" killed at least two people. He was a great artist, but a horrible person.

[@castillo5148]

@@michaeljohnangel6359 he was a mad man of course, but his paintings are incredibly good!

[@10Kinsella]

The bad boy of the Renaissance - I think we all just fell in love

[@friendlyCRplayer]

*Baroque

[@GreatArtExplained]

Sorry, I had to cut a minute out (copyright issue) - but it doesn't affect the rest of the story so I hope you enjoy. Thanks, James

[@delmarstraderjr]

This work is on par with the painting. Masterpiece

[@peterchristian__]

please please please reupload this video with the copywritten material removed but keeping all your words intact this is one of my favorite videos on youtube and now the ending is lost and the story ends abruptly 😓

[@peterchristian__]

there’s more to the story the world needs to hear

[@peterchristian__]

you took out the portion where he m*rdered somebody and was on the run facing capital punishment and how that related to his art. very crucial parts of this video taken from us. please remake the video without the copyrwritten images/music to restore the entire story!

[@madalinapopescu5487]

This channel is a gold mine for someone like me, who knows so little about paintings. Thank you for this wonderful work! ☺

[@brtnspn]

I LOVE how you discover and share the truly masterful details. Like the composition, or the two interlocking hands of Caravaggio and John. Please don't stop highlighting these nuances of genius. Thank you.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much for the comment - and thanks for watching! 🙏

[@Peadar2000]

It is such a privilege to have this masterpiece hanging in the National Gallery of Ireland. I have seen it in the flesh and it is breathtaking. Caravaggio’s use of real human emotion and his stupendous use of light is what makes him such a genius. I have recently discovered your channel and I must say I am so impressed. Your videos are filled with fascinating insights, helpful effects (ie, highlighting each figure individually) and knowledgeable background information - all delivered in a calm and respectful manner. Well done!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@stefanocalesini3923]

This channel is highly educational, everyone should be watching it over and over. We all love Caravaggio today but this video describes very well how he was forgotten for a long time and then rediscovered by mr Longhi. an excellent video.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the lovely comment - and thanks for watching! 🙏

[@wallybazoum]

For those few who say art doesn't really matter,that feeling you have in your gut after watching this says it does.

[@loladiaz3534]

I found this channel a couple of days ago and I’m devouring all the videos. This is awesome. I love the calm of the narrator. Thank you for the great work!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the comment - very nice of you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please leave a comment (even a short one) and "like" the video. It really helps promote the channel on KZbin. I appreciate it! James

[@marshmellowash]

I'm somewhat astounded that you didn't point out that the soldier's armour is completely out of place for the age of Christ. but is contemporary to Caravaggio himself. Guess, in his day and age it was like a picture of a SWAT team arresting a terrorist Jesus. No wonder priests would immediately cover it with a rag and toss it under bed.

[@the_tactical_shooter]

My entire childhood life I wanted to be an artist remembered like these men... but as I got older I realized that art was not appreciated in these times; as a result I grew out of my love of art ..... but now seeing your series and channel it now has sparked my love of my passion again knowing people really look for the meanings in someone's art

[@literallyshaking8019]

I’m so glad I randomly got recommended this channel. I only wish my art history classes had been so intriguing and informative back when I was in college, because I would’ve taken far, far more interest in the study. Caravaggio’s mastery of light and shadow is still unmatched in my opinion.

[@watching7721]

Caravaggio is another one of my favorite artists. So bold yet so real

[@onetaste629]

The commentary, the music, the editing are all first class! Such a great channel! Thank you for this gift.

[@oliviap9974]

Caravaggio would have been proud of this video. Enjoyed it all the way to the end, marvellously well done.

[@lilostitch6608]

This serie is the best thing that exist on the internet for me

[@marcasdebarun6879]

Great video, very insightful. This painting holds a special place in my heart, firstly because it's a point of pride as an Irish person to have a genuine Caravaggio here in Dublin, and also because a full-size copy of the painting hung (and still hangs) on a wall in my local church (which also features a genuine Harry Clarke stained glass window!), which I have very distinct memories of as a child going to mass. Even though I no longer consider myself Catholic, it's still a powerful painting for me as one of the first I ever had a strong emotional reaction to.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I love Dublin and visit the Caravaggio and Bacon’s studio in the Hugh Lane every time I visit - thanks 🙏

[@Alex-kc7tp]

You have no idea how much of an essential resource you are to budding artists such as myself. What a beautiful way to give back to the world of art, thank you so so much for your hard work!!!

[@dr.velmasablan3611]

From the moment i first saw Caravaggio's Taking of The Christ when I was a very young girl, to this day as an elderly woman, I believe Caravaggio captured the pain Jesus Christ felt when Judas, one of His beloved apostles, betrayed him. It is a powerful masterpiece!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the comment! 🙏

[@conlaiarla]

Strange ... the rediscovery was only publicised in 1993.... Apparently you age very different to me. 😁

[@njmccormackgmail]

The painting is in Dublin, where I was brought up, it was only identified in the 90's, so no-one saw it besides the Jesuits prior to that, at least in recent memory.

[@kezia5340]

this is the only art channel that really resonates with me. thank you for your hard work

[@stabgan]

This is fantastic. I am an engineer and come from science background. You're making me fall in love with art

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏 appreciate the comment!’

[@ytang5615]

I never liked or rather understood and appreciated Caravaggio until I watched this , your video. thank you, please continue with your wonderful, illuminating series.

[@mikelob6707]

Man, I've been hooked on all of his series like no other YT series before

[@florenciabalori3625]

I saw this painting for the first time in the Irish National Museum in Dublin and was just struck by lighting. Caravaggio instantly became my favorite painter and now living in Milan I get to see so many of his masterpieces I just can't get enough.

[@dominiccortez4499]

Thank you. Caravaggio is my favorite. His David and Goliath’s are beyond

[@georgetouros6021]

I just discovered this series, and would like to sincerely thank you and congratulate you on your work. We need a touch of greatness in our lives!

[@daviddemar8749]

This video contains a brilliant analysis of a tremendous painting from one my favourite artists of which i was previously unaware. The video also contains a cogent discussion of Caravaggio's career and life as a whole as well as the historical context of the painting and the painter. The content is university level stuff , yet accessible to anyone with an inquisitive mind and an interest in Art History . Bravissimo sir! Thank you for the work and effort that you have put into the making of this video and you have earned a new subscriber

[@Tommyscooter]

Please never stop uploading. Thank you so much for all your effort. Your narrative is fulfilling. Big hug from Perú.

[@normtrooper4392]

I know it's not the point, but I can't stop looking at the armour. It's so well done

[@jasminemccullough9230]

After watching your videos, I purchased The Beheading of Holofernes t-shirt. I wear it proudly. Thank you for being the best thing to come out of 2020.

[@whyishoudini]

that's why i keep seeing this guys work on hiphop album covers, he was a g

[@muhchung]

Great pairing with the ultra intensive voice of Callas. Thanks a million for your enlightenment of this great work of art. I have learned enormously and been deeply moved.

[@pprehn5268]

Thanks, I've always had a sort of love/hate feeling towards his art but this helps me appreciate the contexts and brilliance of his 'illustrating'

[@elguapo42]

Rare is it that i finish a youtube video, and even rarer that its in fullscreen the whole time with no background distractions. Bravo

[@RaniShrividya]

I was going through very bad please in my life, devoid of any inspiration, and I have found your channel. I think my life has taken u turn, and I'm changing my life, for better. From this moment. Thank you. Please don't stop making these videos. And I hope you make one about Birth of Venus. Uncountable thanks.

[@sjferguson]

I have learned more about art history from this series than I ever did from two semesters of college classes 😂 thank you so much for an amazing series.

[@swordguy1243]

I remember commenting a few months back about a video of Caravaggio from you and you answered and said you would . Amazing ! Im watching this on repeat! 🙏🖤

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you like it! Thanks so much for watching! 🙏

[@swordguy1243]

@@GreatArtExplained Great Editing , the Narration its top tier and love how you include tons of information in a very clear way and of course your personal opinion 🙏🖤

[@Robert-js2hd]

Excellent series. The brief but in-depth explanations, the history and influences of the artist, the breadth of the subjects make these films a must for anyone with and interest in art and the visual world. Thank you and long may they continue.

[@2008Bruges]

Thank you for your work! It reminded me the experience of contemplating this work at the National Gallery of Ireland many years ago and how moved I was by the drawing and the light of this painting. Keep your great work! The background music is more than appropriate, it really helps with the drama of the story.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I’ve spent many an hour at that museum in front of this painting - thanks for the comment!

[@teresabarbosa316]

Bravo! I have stood before it once, overwhelmed at the darkness and humanity, but could not quite understand it as well as now.

[@GreatArtExplained]

You need a return trip! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@amherst88]

Wonderful as always ❤️ -- I had the privilege of seeing this painting 'in person' and it has been with me ever since -- regardless of his life choices, he was a genius as a painter. *Thank* *you* for sharing your wealth of knowledge and obvious love of what you are inviting us into.

[@Chloe_Stella]

Thank you for the touches of Maria Callas to go with this stunning painting.

[@genebolyard3720]

Another great video. First, I liked the way you wove video clips into this for emphasis to illustrate points. But what really intrigued me was the way he used a black or very dark background and clever use of light angles to make his works so dramatic. Being a struggling photographer, these elements always draw my attention towards what I am looking at and I try for them in my photos when I can. The limited light coming from the direction of the viewer was excellent. Thank you for your taking the time to create and post this video.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks Gene for your continued support and comments - I appreciate it 🙏

[@genebolyard3720]

@@GreatArtExplained You are very welcome!

[@IsaacCE187]

I discovered this channel a few days ago and can't stop watching your videos. Sublime descriptions. Great narrative. You are making a perfect homage to these master pieces!

[@floppagaming6456]

What i personally love about his painting is that you can feel the regret In Judas' eyes. He can't let go of Jesus even after everything he has done.

[@JIGGLYPUFFLICIOUS]

Please never stop this series. Best thing on KZbin right now.

[@Shooterpirat]

Caravaggio! What a genius! Thanks for this great presentation. Very very composed as always.

[@cjcarlos]

Holy crap. You've outdone yourself with this video. Artists that tend towards more realistic paintings always make for the most interesting analysis videos.

[@AndreSantos-rb3dn]

Light and emotion were basically the main raw material of his art.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great comment 👍 thanks

[@SceneComparisons]

amazing channel I just discovered thank you so much

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@ushi260]

Wonderful channel - thank you so much for the hard work and effort you put into each video. Art has the ability to comfort, and the comment section is testimony to how much joy and comfort your videos are bringing to the world at an especially trying time.

[@jacobankerstjerne8966]

your channel is truly one of KZbin's gems. I question myself why I have never been interested in art. Thank you for enlightening me! 🙂

[@Brendan9674]

Hello. Your channel was suggested to me by KZbin earlier today. I must tell you how much I am enjoying the segments. It’s wonderful to hear your impressions and insights . I am excited to watch the remaining ones and look forward to what you will produce next. Thanks very much!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks Brendan 🙏 more on the way - usually every 3-4 weeks

[@pamelah7114]

I love picking one of your videos to watch before bed as a nice way to end my day and feel like I’ve learned something before days end. Thanks for your work!

[@borbalaszeplabi694]

I have just found this channel, and I love it! One tiny thing: in Italian we don't pronounce those 'i's - they are only to soften the G. So it is not Caravageeeo, but Carava-joe. Same for Giotto: bot geeeotto, but joe-tto

[@antonois]

Thank you, I was hoping someone commented this so I don't have to. I love this channel but such name-butchering is far too distracting and brings down the quality. It's like pronouncing Monet with a hard "t"...

[@the_ed2135]

I think pronunciation is quite good. Yes, not perfect, but still really good. Some other people might have 'butchered' names with those pesky Italian ch/c and gh/g sounds (caravagheeo, da vinchee ...). He said chiaro-scuro and 'a risparmio' quite well. And we know how hard is for English speakers pronounce that R sound. Would you compare Italians pronouncing foreign names? All in all, great work

[@XrayTheMyth23]

@@the_ed2135 Its more so that this is an accepted anglicized version, I'm sure most of the "mispronounced" issues are just due to not knowing how to pronounce the letters since you are at that point switching languages.

[@MsSwitchblade13]

This is the love of art I've always known I had but could never articulate why. Thank you so much for making these. I'm looking forward to many more.

[@giocruz1457]

I only saw one Caravagio in my life and never forget it.

[@Giza107]

What a brilliant lecture, James ! I could listen to your videos whole day. You are gifted 🙂 Thank you for all the efforts you put into each of your videos !!!

[@ryanabc5736]

great video, I've been binge watching all your uploads they are so informative and contextual!! Love this channel so far especially the more abstract art videos

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks Ryan - I appreciate the comment! And thanks for watching 🙏

[@jackwalter5030]

Each of these videos are more striking than the last. This one is utterly fascinating.

[@nsuarez]

Loving this channel. Quality content without too much fluff. Great work!

[@jejwood]

Your willingness to look at Bosch's great triptych through the eyes of those for whom it was intended, rather than fantastical modern eyes, got me hooked on this series. I appreciate your sincerity and penetrating knowledge. Please keep up the amazing work.

[@jshurvell]

Love this new take on the bad boy of 16th-century art! Bravo!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏 and thanks for the comment!

[@chriss8971]

An absolute joy to watch this video, like all other others on this channel. Fantastic work. And I must say you really nailed the ending.

[@agfb4039]

If I owned a tv network or streaming service I would pay you BIG BUCKS for a never ending series these are just AMAZING!!

[@GeorgiaTryfona]

I am in Rome about to see some of his paintings and in tears after this video. Thank you so much for your work!

[@mikezoulas2932]

Maria Callas the divina singing in the background what a compliment to the video, appropriate for its quality. Thank you

[@welldonewit5129]

I hope this series never ends! I didn't even realize how much I didn't know about art ❤️

[@MF_UNDERTOW]

That painting looks like a photograph. Crazy.

[@levityoflonging22]

I adore his dramatic use of light and shadows. Your eyes are drawn straight to his subjects' faces. As a photographer, light is everything, so I especially appreciate and respect artists who use it to its fullest potential.

[@johnh9200]

The Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane (Australia) currently has an exhibit of European Masters running and it featured Caravaggio's "Musicians". To be able to stand so close and absorb such a Master's work is a truly spiritual experience within the space he stood over 4 centuries ago.

[@GnashingOvTeeth]

“It was lead poisoning, from his paints” *singing swells to a tragic high pitch* “Caravaggio it would seem, may have quite literally died for his art” beautiful ending to an insightful and entertaining video. Thank you.

[@catrin1313]

Wonderful. Helped me 'see' the painting after I thought I'd already had a really good look. Best description ever.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh thank you Catrin, for your continued support and such a great comment! 🙏

[@ramdinsangasaiawi7581]

Thank you for making this series. It’s absorbed me more than I could imagine. I look forward to many more posts. God bless you

[@greedyjawa2385]

Awesome work! You can almost see the despair in Judas eyes, red nose and expression show us he was probably drunk af. You can almost smell his breath just by the look in Jesus face.

[@caijdew6185]

Rewatching this video, and I must say: choosing the masterful Callas as background music was a perfect choice. Kudos!

[@SleepingTiger-vlog]

These videos are very inspiring and very well put together, art pieces in themselves.. Thanks for sharing so much about the artists themselves as well.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for saying! I appreciate it 🙏

[@paddytroy3382]

Brilliant- Caravaggio a personal favourite of mine. I do love a rogue artist. And what talent! Thanks again! Your tone, delivery, inclusion of mildly humourous details is brilliant. I love the attention and care in which you deal with your artists various personality quirks. In addition to great analysis of the composition itself, these make for fantastic videos. Thanks!

[@GreatArtExplained]

What a nice thing to say - thank you so much! 🙏

[@vince6056]

You know what's weird his shades of light make it look like the light is being cast from overhead electric lights but it's 500 years before electricity

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great comment. Thanks for watching!

[@jeonig6372]

Absolutely love the way you explain art, please don't stop, I've learnt so much, so grateful, thank you

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for saying so - appreciate it!

[@ishityounot2677]

In love with this channel.. Could you please intersperse explanations of great arts with explanations of art history? For eg. What is the baroque period etc. Thank you for your amazing work

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much for the comment - I appreciate it - and thanks for watching!

[@anandshaurya]

Hey! A good place to be, right?

[@ChristianVaerum]

These videos are really well executed. You're doing such a great job at pulling high-class art down from its (at times) pretentious pedestal, only to explore and explain it in great detail. I really appreciate it, because I think the language of the art world can be difficult to comprehend. I believe it to be very exclusive and I'm grateful for these videos. They pick great art appart and reassemble it and I can only say that it makes me appreciate each artist and each artwork much more.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏 for such a great comment! It’s exactly what my intention is, making art accessible. Thanks for watching!

[@CommentWhenNecessary]

Caravaggio’s self portrait: His face glows with fascination in the event of Jesus’ conviction - which is evident in the painting itself. His hand holds the light as if he is ‘shining a light’ on the rawness of human nature and the chaotic results from good and evil. The greatest point being made is that his right hand, the one holding the lantern, is his painting hand (as stated) and is shaped as if he were holding a paintbrush with the intent of fine detail. His painting hand in action, holding the light that shines unto the event is the brilliance of how the artist Caravaggio, makes this piece one for his own eyes, in his own story for you to see. The subtle, yet saturated emotional communication of Caravaggio’s values, morals, and ethics are displayed in a piece of what we humans categorize as art, the secret language of the human race - super alien if you ask me. It’s like a visual transfer of a million emotions that is so dense, this video barely scrapes the entirety of built up experiences that lead to this depiction. Cool stuff.

[@deankelly734]

I love this channel! Caravaggio is one of my favorites, so I really enjoyed this one.

[@Namse21]

This channel is sooo underrated. Also, this video was uploaded on my birhday! 😃😄

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the comment - and happy belated birthday! 🙏

[@roberbriseno396]

I introduced my mother to your channel weeks ago and we absolutely love what you do, thank you for making this channel I can't wait to see more

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh thank you! And thanks for watching 🙏

[@AstralMarmot]

He was a man who knew darkness with an intimacy that most would find - and did find - repulsive. But to me, that is why he is so masterful with light. Light is more than a study in his work; it is the whole subject of almost every piece, and rendered in such a way that the viewer is instantly pulled into intimacy with it. There is something involuntary about it, and I think that feeling is what people reacted so powerfully to, both positively and negatively. I'm not an art student or expert so I hope that makes sense. Caravaggio was just a revelation for me. If you don't mind a suggestion, I'd love to hear you talk about Conversion on the Way to Damascus. Thanks for making these videos; I love them.

[@rsn180690]

I absolutely love this series! Have seen so many video essays on Art on youtube, but this series still stands out. I really appreciate the great quality of work, be it editing, flow, voice over, the story telling. But most of all I appreciate the detail study of the artwork itself. Often the more famous artists work is almost fetishized (yes, while their lives are very much relavant to read the artwork, it is not the only thing interesting about the art) for the tragic life they've lived more than the artwork itself. I love how you talk about their techniques and their influences, not just composition, subject and colors. It's such a comprehensive take. I am so happy to have discovered these videos! ❤️

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much for the comment 🙏

[@allenjacob426]

I am starting to love this page It is so beautifully explained and the edits are perfectly arranged I would love to know more about the art! Also if you are taking suggestions please make a video about the Last Supper!

[@chrisredfield3607]

Christ's hand in this painting is one of the most sublime, in the sense of Edmund Burke, renderings of emotion I know of. To think that an order got to view this painting every day for free.

[@bray7934]

Seeing as it is the banner for your KZbin channel, I would love to see one of these documentaries over "The Garden of Earthly Delights". Bosch is one of my favorite painters of all time and I would love to see an exploration of not only the painting, but him as an artist.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I’m working on it now bray - it’s been a lot of work but I’ll release it soon - thanks 🙏

[@damarisfdez582]

This Chanel should have way more followers. Can’t get enough of these videos. Please don’t stop making them 🧡

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏more on the way!

[@danikahli]

Thank you again, I am riveted by these videos!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for saying. And for watching!

[@veronikachmelarova6084]

I´m speechless.. Thank you so much for the video, for all the videos of the Great Art Explained channel! You´re doing such a good job explaining art in such a comprehensible way! I´m in love :-)

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks Veronika I appreciate it! And thanks for watching 🙏

[@yicheng7885]

Love the series keep it up, hope you do an episode on De Kooning in the future

[@goat9325]

I would love de kooning!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the comment for the suggestion and for watching! I love De Kooning too

[@waterfall_dreamer7634]

Another great video. The only down side is don't try to watch this at bedtime because the opera music might wake someone else up. Other than that, it's great and I'm enjoying these videos.