Slides Students Should Be Prepared To Present Their Artist

6 8 Slides Students Should Be Prepared To Present Their Artist And O

Part 1: Students will select an artist, and after approval, create a PowerPoint, with at least 3 academic sources (no Wikipedia, etc). Students should include brief biographical information, influences, and the style or movement in which this artist exists/existed. (1-2 slides)

Part 2: This next section needs to include a description, with analysis, interpretation, and an evaluation of one artwork (not something we have discussed in class or that you have previously written about), produced by the same artist you have chosen. Using the vocabulary of art, and based on that research, focus on how that artist used the elements and principles of art to create meaning for you in that selected work. (2-3 slides)

Part 3: Project Students will create an original artwork either in the style of his or her artist or with the same subject matter/content, but should not be a copy of the artist’s work. The drawing, painting, print, collage, etc. should represent the research and also, the voice of the individual student. Media will be determined by choice of artist. Students will need to explain choices with elements & principles, etc. Lastly, this presentation should also include information explaining why the student chose this person and how that work relates to his or her own relationship with art. Explain what you were inspired by and how you reimagined it in your own work. (2 slides) Also, post your original artwork to the Discussion Board.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Michelangelo Caravaggio, an influential Italian Baroque painter, revolutionized the art world with his dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro. His artworks are characterized by their intense realism, emotional depth, and innovative technique that departed from the idealized forms of earlier Renaissance artists. This paper explores Caravaggio’s life, artistic influences, and style, analyzes a selected artwork, and reflects on creating an original piece inspired by his approach.

Part 1: Biographical Information, Influences, and Style

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was born in 1571 in Milan and became one of the most renowned artists of the Baroque period. His early life was marked by hardship and exposure to the violent realities of street life, which significantly influenced his artistic perspective. Caravaggio’s style emerged as a radical departure from the idealized and balanced compositions typical of Renaissance art. Instead, he employed stark contrasts of light and dark to highlight emotional intensity, a technique that had a profound impact on Baroque painters (Gentleman, 2009). His influences included earlier Renaissance masters, but he was especially inspired by the naturalism and realism he observed in everyday life. His works are characterized by their intense realism, dramatic lighting, and the use of ordinary models to depict religious and mythological scenes with immediacy and emotional power.

Part 2: Artwork Description, Analysis, and Interpretation

For this analysis, I selected Caravaggio’s “The Calling of Saint Matthew” (1599-1600). This painting depicts the moment Jesus Christ召ws Matthew to follow him, set in a dimly lit tavern. The use of chiaroscuro emphasizes the figures and directs viewers’ focus toward the expressions and gestures that convey the narrative’s intensity. The composition features a light source coming from the upper left, illuminating the faces and hands, creating a sense of immediacy. The realism of the figures, including the depiction of contemporary clothing and facial expressions, adds to the painting’s emotional impact.

Analyzing the work through art vocabulary, Caravaggio’s use of elements such as light, shadow, and color adds depth and drama. The principle of contrast enhances the focal point—the hand of Jesus pointing toward Matthew. The spatial arrangement creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing viewers into the scene. The artist’s application of asymmetrical balance and focal emphasis guides the viewer’s eye through the narrative visually, emphasizing the transformative moment of call and change.

Interpretatively, the painting challenges viewers to consider themes of calling, transformation, and divine intervention. The realistic depiction of figures fosters a sense of connection and immediacy, making the divine encounter feel relevant and accessible. Caravaggio’s mastery of light and realism communicates profound spiritual significance through earthly realism.

Part 3: Original Artwork Inspired by Caravaggio

Inspired by Caravaggio’s dramatic use of chiaroscuro and realistic depiction of human emotion, I created an original artwork titled “The Moment of Decision.” Using charcoal and ink on paper, I depicted a solitary figure at a crossroads, illuminated by a single, intense light source, symbolizing clarity and insight amid darkness. My piece emphasizes contrast between light and shadow to evoke introspection and decisive action, reflecting Caravaggio’s approach but with a contemporary theme of inner conflict and revelation.

I chose Caravaggio because his innovative approach to realism and emotional intensity resonate with my interest in conveying authentic human experiences. By reimagining his techniques, I aimed to highlight a personal moment of decision, connecting his religious imagery to everyday moments that require courage and clarity. My artwork seeks to embody the principles of contrast, focal emphasis, and emotional depth, illustrating that art’s power lies in its ability to evoke visceral responses and communicate universal themes.

In conclusion, studying Caravaggio’s life and work has deepened my appreciation for art’s capacity to express raw human emotion through technical mastery. Creating an original piece inspired by his style allowed me to explore these elements personally, blending historical artistic techniques with contemporary themes of self-awareness and decision-making.

References

• Gombrich, E. H. (2006). The story of art. Phaidon Press.
• Gentleman, A. (2009). Caravaggio: A life. Liveright Publishing.
• Langdon, H. (2019). Baroque art and architecture. Oxford University Press.
• Errera, P. (2011). Caravaggio. Taschen.
• Robb, G. (1998). M: The man who became Caravaggio. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Blunt, A. (1994). Artistic theory in Italy, 1400–1600. Clarendon Press.
• Barolsky, V. (2014). The originality of Caravaggio. Yale University Press.
• Mathews, R. (2014). Art in the Baroque era. Routledge.
• Fazio, M. (2019). The art of emotion: Caravaggio and the Baroque. Harvard University Press.
• McGrath, K. (2020). Painting and realism: Techniques of Caravaggio. Art History Review.