Caravaggio (Merisi Michalengelo) (1571-1610). Italian Baroque painter, who in his short life was significantly influenced by Baroque painting. Born to a family of architects in Caravaggio, he was an unwary adventurer who liked teasing and toying with fate. In his early works, he preferred realism. He worked with light and shadow, combining natural and architectural elements. He captured dramatic scenes (and his images are very sensational) by utilising hyperrealism and an impressive use of light and shadow. An intense light side, which he started using, helped him add intensity to colours and link the composition into one unit. Light, intense colours, and choice of motifs (often with the presence of death) are the cornerstones of his work, which indelibly influenced the history of art.