Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) was one of the most innovative painters of his time, and one of the most momentous artists of any era. Rescued from neglect, he has become a cultural icon in the late twentieth century, not only for his art but also because of his violent and tragic life.

Catherine Puglisi's highly praised monograph, now available for the first time in paperback to extend its accessibility to a new audience, supersedes all previous studies of the artist by far. Making full use of the latest research and a series of dramatic recent discoveries, she has produced a concise, clear-headed and comprehensive work of scholarship that also provides a moving biography of the artist and an incisive deconstruction of the genius with which he absorbed and transformed the artistic tradition of his time. Altogether, Puglisi's work - a profound achievement in its own right - reveals a poignant aspect to Caravaggio's life and work, which offers a deeper insight into his function as an artist than has ever been made possible before.

The entirety of Caravaggio's works are discussed with expertise and illustrated in colour, while the book also contains an appendix of documents dating back to the sixteenth century, full notes and a wide bibliography, a checklist of works and full indexes. This authoritative and beautifully produced monograph is the standard work on Caravaggio: it is now accessible to the broadest audience yet in a no less sophisticated but all the more user-friendly presentation.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface (p. 6)
• Part 1 From Lombardy to Rome 1571-1600
• 1 Lombard Roots (p. 14)
• 2 Rome (p. 42)
• 3 In Cardinal del Monte's Household (p. 82)
• Part 2 Success in Papal Rome 1600-1606
• 4 'Most Famous Painter' (p. 142)
• 5 Private Commissions (p. 200)
• Part 3 Exile 1606-1610
• 6 Naples and the Maltese Adventure (p. 256)
• 7 Final Years (p. 310)
• Epilogue (p. 368)
• Checklist of paintings (p. 394)
• Appendices (p. 412)
• Notes (p. 422)
• Bibliography (p. 434)
• Photographic Acknowledgements (p. 441)
• Index of works (p. 442)
• General index (p. 445)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Neither the pedantic obscurantism nor the lurid biographical preoccupations that have marred recent studies of Caravaggio are present in this excellent opus. Puglisi's (art history, Rutgers Univ.) comprehensive overview covers what is known about the master with an unusually sensible and sensitive appreciation of the paintings and their place within his stylistic development. Caravaggio is insightfully situated in his art historical ambience, the paintings linked to a nexus of artistic influences. Refreshingly, the incisive iconographic explications of the paintings are articulated as expressions of the patrons' requirements and not as manifestations of the artist's psychological duress. A checklist of the master's oeuvre, an examination of his technique, and a selection of translated documents further enhance this exemplary study. Unusually fine and complete reproductions of the paintings and a plethora of comparative works complement the text. The elegant integration of biographical narrative, formal and intellectual characterization, and lavish illustration come together in what is now the best introduction to this pivotal figure.ÄRobert Cahn, Fashion Inst. of Technology, New York (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Catherine Puglisi is Associate Professor of Art History at Rutgers University, New Jersey.