"Caravaggio - The Cursed Painter"
Presented by Dr. Rocky Ruggiero

Known as the pittore maledetto – or the “cursed painter”, Caravaggio not only revolutionized painting at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries with his “hyper-realistic” style, he literally turned Rome on its head with his often-criminal behavior. Spending much of his time between brothels and taverns, Caravaggio’s love of the vulgar and violence became his primary artistic inspiration. His paintings would often reflect his sociopathic lifestyle, frequently depicting Christian subjects in completely inappropriate ways. We shall follow in the footsteps of the artist in order to recount his unique biography, but also in order to explore the sublime art of his paintings.