Lunchtime Lecture: Caravaggio - murderer or genius
Caravaggio’s reputation as an artist was for many years tainted by his criminal record, but for his contemporaries he was an influential innovator. We’ll explore his life, the development of his style and the events that tainted his reputation.
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- Start Date: 20 Nov 2025End Date: 20 Nov 2025Thu (Daytime): 13:00 - 14:00OnlineFull fee £14.00 Senior fee £11.00 Concession £9.00
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What is the course about?
Caravaggio’s paintings inspired many artists during his lifetime and would go on to influence many more, from Orazio Gentileschi to Peter Paul Rubens, Gerard van Honthorst and Rembrandt. Each absorbed a different aspect of his work. His style spread across Europe and gave rise to the international movement known as ‘Caravaggism’. Was it the violence of his times or his own passionate spirit that inspired the dramatic lighting and intense naturalism of his work? This lecture follows the dramatic incidents of the artist’s life, how his work changed over his short career, and looks at how and why his influence spread so far.
What will we cover?
• Caravaggio’s early work in Rome
• His flight from Rome to Naples, and thence to Malta and Sicily
• Some of the artists influenced by him
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
By the end of this course you should be able to:
· Give an example of an early work by Caravaggio made for the open market
· Give three examples of artists influenced by Caravaggio
· List three changes between Caravaggio’s early and late style
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs. You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught online with slide presentations and group discussions. This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Search 'lunchtime lectures' for more courses like this.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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