Caravaggio, born Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio in 1571, was an Italian painter known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, a technique called chiaroscuro. His works often depicted religious themes with a raw realism that was groundbreaking for his time, influencing countless artists in the Baroque period. His most famous paintings, such as The Calling of Saint Matthew and Judith Beheading Holofernes, showcase his ability to capture human emotion and tension. Caravaggio's life was as tumultuous as his art; he was known for his rebellious nature and tumultuous relationships, which ultimately led to his early death in 1610.