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Caravaggio Paintings for Sale

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Michelangelo Merisi (or Amerighi) da Caravaggio, 1571-1610, was an Italian artist who had a formative influence on Baroque movement. Caravaggio oil paintings combine a realistic observation of the human state, both physical and emotional, with a dramatic use of lighting. With the exception of Michelangelo, no other Italian painter exercised so great an influence. Only about 80 paintings by Caravaggio have survived. In 1969, two thieves stole his work the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo, was estimate its value at $20 million. -- Read Caravaggio's biography >>

The Auction Records / Prices of Works by Caravaggio

Caravaggio, an Italian Baroque painter, is known for his dramatic use of light and shadow and his ability to capture human emotion in his works. His paintings are highly valued and sought after by collectors, museums, and art enthusiasts around the world. Over the years, many of his works have been sold at auction for record-breaking prices.

Here are some examples of the auction records of works by Caravaggio:

"Judith and Holofernes" - sold for €115 million ($157 million) in 2019, making it the most expensive work by Caravaggio ever sold at auction.

"Saint John the Baptist" - sold for $30 million in 2010, setting a new record for the artist at the time.

"The Taking of Christ" - sold for £27 million ($53 million) in 2006, breaking the previous record for a work by Caravaggio.

"Rest on the Flight into Egypt" - sold for $11 million in 1989, becoming the first work by Caravaggio to break the $10 million mark at auction.

Other notable works by Caravaggio that have fetched high prices at auction include "The Cardsharps", which sold for $36 million in 2015, and "Crucifixion of Saint Andrew", which sold for $27 million in 2015.

The prices of works by Caravaggio vary widely depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and provenance. Some of his most famous works are considered some of the most valuable paintings in the world. Here are several works by Caravaggio and their estimated values:

"Judith and Holofernes" - estimated value of between $170 million to $200 million.

"Supper at Emmaus" - estimated value of between $100 million to $150 million.

"The Taking of Christ" - estimated value of around $150 million.

"Saint John the Baptist" - estimated value of around $80 million.

"The Cardsharps" - estimated value of around $50 million.

It's important to note that these estimates are based on auction house valuations and can vary greatly depending on factors such as the painting's condition, authenticity and rarity. Additionally, many of Caravaggio's most famous works are not publicly available for sale, but instead are held in private or institutional collections.

The prices of works by Caravaggio reflect his enduring legacy as one of the greatest artists of the Baroque period, and his ability to create paintings that have captured the attention and imagination of art lovers for centuries.

Interestingly, many of the most valuable works by Caravaggio were not discovered until relatively recently. For example, "Judith and Holofernes" was found in an attic in France in 2014, while "The Taking of Christ" was rediscovered in a Dublin Jesuit house in 1990 after being thought lost for many years.

Despite their high value, many works by Caravaggio remain in private collections or on display in museums around the world, making them difficult to acquire for even the most dedicated collectors. However, the auction records of these masterpieces serve as a testament to Caravaggio's enduring influence on the art world and the continued fascination with his unique style and perspective. Overall, the auction records of works by Caravaggio demonstrate the enduring appeal and value of his art, as well as the ongoing demand for his masterpieces among collectors and institutions.

The Biography of Artist Caravaggio

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, commonly known as Caravaggio, was an Italian Baroque painter who lived from 1571 to 1610. He was born in Milan, but spent most of his adult life in Rome and Naples, where he developed a distinctive style that emphasized realism, dramatic use of light and shadow, and intense emotional expression.

Caravaggio's early life is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that he received his artistic training in Milan under the painter Simone Peterzano. He later moved to Rome, where he quickly gained fame for his skill as a painter and attracted the patronage of influential figures such as Cardinal Francesco Maria Del Monte.

Throughout his career, Caravaggio developed a reputation as a talented, but volatile and controversial artist. His works often depicted subjects that were considered scandalous or unconventional, such as the depiction of religious figures as ordinary people with flaws and imperfections. He was also known for his use of live models and his realistic portrayal of human anatomy.

Despite his talent, Caravaggio's career was marked by numerous conflicts with his patrons, fellow artists, and even the law. He was involved in a number of violent altercations, including a notorious incident in which he killed a man during a brawl. This led him to flee Rome for Naples, where he continued to work but remained in a state of constant turmoil.

Caravaggio died at the age of 38, reportedly of a fever, while on his way to Rome to seek a pardon for his involvement in a fight. Despite his troubled life, his influence on the art world has been enduring. His paintings are highly valued and sought after by collectors and institutions around the world, and his innovative style and use of light and shadow continue to inspire artists to this day.

It's worth noting that many of Caravaggio's most famous works, such as "The Calling of Saint Matthew" and "The Flagellation of Christ," are held in public collections and are not available for sale on the open market. This means that the opportunities to acquire a work by Caravaggio at auction are relatively rare, and when they do come up, they generate a great deal of attention and excitement among collectors.

Part of the reason for Caravaggio's enduring popularity is his ability to capture the drama and emotion of his subjects in a way that feels immediate and visceral to viewers. His use of chiaroscuro, the technique of using light and dark contrasts to create a sense of depth and drama, is particularly effective at conveying the intensity of human emotion and the drama of his subject matter.

As a result, even after centuries have passed since Caravaggio's death, his works continue to captivate and inspire new generations of artists and art enthusiasts. The auction records of his paintings stand as a testament to his lasting impact on the world of art, and the enduring power of his unique vision and talent.

Analyses Famous Paintings by Caravaggio

Caravaggio's paintings are known for their dramatic use of light and shadow, their realistic portrayal of human emotion, and their unconventional depictions of Biblical and mythological subjects. Here are some analyses of some of his most famous paintings:

"The Calling of Saint Matthew" - This painting depicts the moment when Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. Caravaggio uses light to draw attention to this moment of divine intervention, highlighting the contrast between the dark, shadowy background and the bright beam of light that illuminates Matthew's face. The choice of a dark, muted color palette underscores the sense of mystery and awe surrounding this event.

"The Entombment of Christ" - In this painting, Caravaggio portrays the followers of Christ as ordinary people with very human emotions. The bodies are twisted and contorted in a way that suggests the agony of mourning, while the use of diagonal lines creates a sense of tension and movement. The use of light and shadow helps to create a sense of depth and drama, drawing the viewer into the scene and intensifying the emotional impact of the painting.

"The Conversion of Saint Paul" - This painting portrays the moment when Saul, later to become St. Paul, is knocked off his horse and converted to Christianity. Caravaggio uses light to create a sense of divine intervention, with the bright light illuminating St. Paul's face and highlighting the contrast between the light and dark areas of the painting. The use of diagonals and intense emotion also contribute to a sense of movement and drama.

"The Cardsharps" - This painting depicts a scene of deception, with two men cheating a naive youth out of his money by playing cards. The painting showcases Caravaggio's ability to capture human emotion in all its complexity, with the expressions on the faces of the cardsharps ranging from smug satisfaction to intense concentration. The use of light and shadow helps to create a sense of depth and drama, while the muted color palette adds to the sense of tension and deception.

Overall, Caravaggio's paintings are characterized by their emotional intensity, dramatic use of light and shadow, and unconventional depictions of traditional subjects. These qualities continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts around the world, and ensure that Caravaggio's legacy will endure for many years to come.

The Features of Artworks by Caravaggio

Caravaggio was a prominent artist during the Baroque period and is well-known for his realistic, dramatic depictions of biblical scenes and everyday life. Some key features of his artworks are:

Chiaroscuro: Caravaggio was known for his use of chiaroscuro, a technique which creates a strong contrast between light and shadow in order to highlight certain areas of the painting. This technique gives his works a sense of depth and drama.

Realism: Caravaggio's paintings often depict everyday people and situations with a startling level of detail and realism. His figures appear lifelike and have an almost photographic quality.

Dramatic Lighting: Caravaggio's use of light creates a sense of drama and tension in many of his paintings. He often used a single light source, such as a candle or lamp, to create an intense spotlight effect on his subjects.

Emotional Expression: Caravaggio's figures often display intense emotions, such as grief, awe, or ecstasy. He was skilled at capturing complex human emotions and expressions.

Tenebrism: Another technique frequently used by Caravaggio was tenebrism, which involves using strong contrasts of light and dark to create a sense of drama and mystery.

Caravaggio's works are known for their realism, dramatic lighting, and powerful emotional impact.
In summary, the features of Caravaggio's artworks include his use of chiaroscuro and tenebrism, his realistic and detailed portrayals of daily life and biblical scenes, his dramatic lighting and emotional expression, and his ability to capture complex human emotions. These characteristics make his works instantly recognizable and highly regarded in the art world. Caravaggio's influence on art history can still be seen today in the works of many contemporary artists who continue to explore his techniques and styles.

Why Choose Caravaggio Art as Home Decor?

Caravaggio's artworks can make an excellent choice for home decor for several reasons:

Aesthetics: Caravaggio's works are visually stunning, with dramatic lighting and intense emotion that can create a powerful impact in any room. They are great for adding a touch of drama and sophistication to your home.

Historical Significance: Caravaggio was a prominent artist during the Baroque period and played an important role in the development of Western art. Owning one of his works can be a way to celebrate and appreciate this rich cultural history.

Investment Value: Caravaggio's artworks are widely regarded as valuable and timeless pieces of art. Owning one of his paintings can be a smart investment that may increase in value over time.

Versatility: Caravaggio's works are versatile and can fit into various interior design styles. They can look great in a classic, traditional setting or in a modern, minimalist space.

Overall, Caravaggio's artworks can be an excellent choice for home decor for those who appreciate the beauty and historical significance of fine art.

How to Use Caravaggio Oil Paintings as Wall Decor

Caravaggio oil paintings can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any room. Here are some tips on how to use them as wall decor:

Choose the Right Space: Caravaggio's works are usually quite large, so make sure you have enough wall space to properly display the painting. A large, open wall in a room such as a living room or dining room is ideal.

Lighting: Caravaggio's works are known for their dramatic lighting, so make sure the painting is properly illuminated. Consider installing a light above or below the painting to highlight its features and create a sense of depth.

Frame Selection: Choose a frame that complements the painting without detracting from it. A simple, elegant frame in a muted color like black or gold can work well.

Color Palette: Consider the colors in the painting when selecting other decor pieces for the room. Pull out subtle hues in the painting with complementary accents like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains.

Positioning: Hang the painting at eye level to allow the viewer to fully appreciate it. If you have multiple Caravaggio paintings or other artworks, consider creating a gallery wall by grouping them together.

Overall, using a Caravaggio oil painting as wall decor can add a sense of sophistication and elegance to your home. With the right placement, lighting, and decor choices, you can transform any room into a gallery-worthy space.

Caravaggio: Handmade Oil Painting Reproduction vs. Prints

Caravaggio's original artworks are highly regarded and valuable, but they are also quite rare and difficult to obtain. For those who appreciate his works and want to add them to their home or office decor, there are two main options: handmade oil painting reproductions or prints.

Handmade oil painting reproductions are created by skilled artists who use the same techniques and materials as Caravaggio did, such as oil paints and canvas. These reproductions are made with great attention to detail, capturing the textures, colors, and brushwork of the original artwork. As a result, handmade oil paintings are often considered more valuable and authentic than prints.

Prints, on the other hand, are created using a digital reproduction process that involves scanning the original artwork and printing it onto paper or canvas. While prints can be produced more quickly and affordably than handmade oil paintings, they lack the texture, depth, and authenticity of a true work of art.

When deciding between a handmade oil painting reproduction and a print, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. Handmade oil paintings are a great choice for those who want to own a true work of art that will last for generations, while prints can be a more affordable option for those who simply want to enjoy the beauty of Caravaggio's artworks without breaking the bank.

The Paintings of Caravaggio Reproduced by Toperfect

Toperfect is a reputable company that offers handmade oil painting reproductions of Caravaggio's artworks. Their reproductions are created by skilled artists who use the same techniques and materials as Caravaggio himself, such as oil paints and canvas. Toperfect reproductions capture the details, textures, and colors of the original artwork, resulting in a high-quality, authentic work of art.

One of the benefits of Toperfect is their extensive selection of Caravaggio paintings. Customers can choose from a wide variety of his most famous works, including "The Calling of Saint Matthew," "David with the Head of Goliath," and "The Conversion of Saint Paul." Toperfect also offers custom reproductions, allowing customers to request specific sizes or modifications to meet their individual needs.

Toperfect has a strong reputation for customer service and satisfaction. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that customers are happy with their purchase or they will make it right. Their prices are reasonable and competitive, making it accessible for those who want to own a true work of art.

Overall, Toperfect is an excellent choice for those who want to own a high-quality, handmade oil painting reproduction of Caravaggio's artworks. With an extensive selection, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to quality and authenticity, Toperfect is a trusted source for fine art reproductions.