What type of subjects did Caravaggio often use in his paintings?

Prepare for the Arizona State University's ARS102 Art Exam. Explore through flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanatory answers. Enhance your understanding and get ready to ace the exam!

Caravaggio is renowned for his innovative approach to painting and his distinct use of subjects drawn from everyday life. He often depicted individuals he encountered in the streets of Rome, showcasing common people, including beggars, street vendors, and laborers, as the models for his religious and mythological themes. This choice of subjects allowed him to bring a sense of realism and familiarity to his work, creating an emotional connection with the viewer.

His painting style is marked by dramatic lighting and intense realism, which emphasized the raw, human experience. By using real people as models, Caravaggio broke away from the traditional conventions of idealized figures, instead presenting a more relatable and human portrayal of sacred and secular subjects. This groundbreaking approach significantly influenced the Baroque movement and has left a lasting legacy in the art world.

The other subject types listed do not align with Caravaggio’s approach, as he did not focus solely on historical figures, mythological creatures, or floral arrangements in his body of work. His emphasis on the ordinary became one of his main hallmarks, setting him apart from other artists of his time.

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