Cecco del Caravaggio

Cecco del Caravaggio (active – mid-1620s) is the Notname given to a painter who worked in Rome in the early decades of the 17th century and was an important early follower of Caravaggio (1571–1610). In the past, art historians have suggested he may have been a Flemish, French or Spanish Caravaggist but more recently some have identified the artist with Francesco Boneri (or Buoneri), although this is not universally accepted. In his work the artist responded in a very individual and original manner to Caravaggio's naturalism.

Life Little is known about Cecco del Caravaggio. His active period appears to have been from 1610 to the mid-1620s.

Work None of Cecco's works are signed or dated, and hence his oeuvre is difficult to identify and date. He is associated with a number of genre pieces, portraits and religious works showing a clear debt to Caravaggio. He had an interest in depictions of low life themes but also painted religious compositions. His important religious works include Resurrection (Art Institute of Chicago) and Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple (Gemäldegalerie, Berlin).

The key influence on Cecco was Caravaggio, but other Caravaggisti, such as Bartolomeo Manfredi, formed an additional influence. His style exhibits common traits with the works of these other Caravaggisti, such as the depiction of large, solid figures, strong contrasts between light and dark and complex drapery folds.

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