Michelangelo Merisi, commonly known as Caravaggio, was an influential Italian painter born in 1571. He is renowned for his realistic depiction of human figures and dramatic use of light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro. His work often featured religious themes, but he portrayed biblical characters with raw emotion and realism, breaking away from the idealized forms of the Renaissance. Caravaggio's life was marked by controversy and violence, reflecting the tumultuous times of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He had a tumultuous career, facing legal troubles and conflicts, which ultimately led to his untimely death in 1610. His innovative style greatly influenced the Baroque movement and left a lasting legacy in the art world.