Caravaggio and His World

Caravaggio, known for his violent nature, thrived in a similarly chaotic Rome. The city was a hub for artists, clerics, and mercenaries, all vying for success under the Vatican's influence. Caravaggio's rise in this competitive environment was aided by his friendship with Costantino Spata and Cardinal Del Monte. His innovative genre paintings, depicting modern life, caught Del Monte's attention, leading to his patronage. This support was pivotal in Caravaggio's early career, allowing him to establish himself in the art world.

How is Caravaggio often remembered by history?

• As a mad, violent outsider

• As a peaceful artist

• As a religious leader

• As a wealthy merchant

What was Rome compared to in the late 16th and early 17th centuries?

• Hollywood with only one studio

• A quiet monastery

• A bustling marketplace

• A peaceful village

What was the main cause of Caravaggio's fights?

• Political disagreements

• Artistic differences

• Personal insults

• Financial disputes

What was the racial insult involved in the artichoke incident?

• Serving artichokes with butter

• Serving artichokes with vinegar

• Serving artichokes with olive oil

• Serving artichokes with cheese

What was essential for an artist to succeed in Rome?

• Creating religious art

• Traveling extensively

• Having a large studio

• Making powerful friends

Who was Costantino Spata?

• A Roman senator

• A picture dealer

• A rival artist

• A famous painter

What new genre of painting did Caravaggio and Spata create?

• Historical portraits

• Religious scenes

• Abstract art

• Scenes from modern life

Who was Cardinal Del Monte?

• A rival artist

• A wealthy merchant

• An avant-garde collector

• A Roman senator

What was one of the scenes Caravaggio painted that impressed Del Monte?

• A landscape

• A card game

• A battle scene

• A religious ceremony

What was Del Monte's role in Galileo's career?

• He was Galileo's critic

• He was Galileo's student

• He was Galileo's principal patron

• He was Galileo's rival