Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was an Italian painter born in 1571, known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, a technique called chiaroscuro. His realistic and often intense depictions of religious subjects marked a significant shift in the art world, moving away from the idealized forms of the Renaissance. Caravaggio's life was as tumultuous as his art; he faced numerous legal troubles and was known for his rebellious nature. Despite his short life, ending in 1610, his influence on later artists, including the Baroque movement, remains profound, making him a pivotal figure in the history of Western art.