Linhtalinhtinh

While his paintings are generally not of my taste, I could not deny the fact that they evoke overwhelming feelings. There is this strange attractiveness, both beautiful and scary at the same time.

About this book, this book is perhaps not for casual read. It does not mean it is a tough read, writing style is actually very friendly, not the journal-style type. Yet the materials itself are presented not for audience who does not have a particular interest in arts beforehand and some basic background of art history. Essentially, this is a biography, a collection of information the author gathered on Caravaggio: his birth, his death, his paintings, his patrons, and some analysis of his works. But's that's it. It's not a story woven to attract attention, not a flirtation to get you into art world. You must be already seduced in order to engage in Hibbard's conversation. Therefore, if you're looking for something particularly fun to read, this is not. Don't pick it.

On the other hand, it's a great introduction to Caravaggio for art students. Still, this is an old book, too. That said it approaches the artist in a traditional way, trying to explain the his work based on psychology analysis, everything else about the audience, patrons, production of art, its subsequent fates and receptions, are quite ignored.