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Artist
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was named after the place his parents originated from, Caravaggio in Milano. He was born on September 29, 1571 and died on July 18, 1610 in Porto Ercole on Monte Argentario. Caravaggio was an Italian painter in the early Baroque era. His image composition was new for his time and unusually realistic. Caravaggio became a legend because of his rise from poverty to being a sought after artist and then being banned into exile for manslaughter. Then dying at the young age of 39.
Artwork
„Amor vincit omnia“ is the latein name for this piece. It means: Love wins over everything. The painting measures 113.3 x 156.5 cm (width x height). It was created around 1601/02 and belongs to the state museums in Berlin since 1815.
Brief description
The specific focus was on the use of light and shade causing the painting to seem plastic, showing a naked and winged cupid embodied by a young boy. His pose is lighthearted and playful. His leg is placed at an angle, while his body is leaning against a globe, almost fully covered by a sheet. Beneath Cupid lies a musical instrument, a compos, and a part of armor, a quill and other attributes that were placed carelessly on the floor. Cupid is looking at the observer of the painting. His smile plays around his slightly opened mouth. In his hands there are two darts. A red one, to trigger the feelings of love, and a black one to destroy them.
Genre & Material
Painting in Baroque era. Oil painting on a canvas.
Where can I find this in Berlin?
In the Gemäldegalerie at the Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz, Matthäikirchplatz, 10785 Berlin. To find out how to get there, please click the link below the description.
Caravaggio is said to be the master of light and shade like how his piece “Amor vincit Omnia” or “Cupid as victor” undoubtedly proves. The specific focus was on the use of light and shade causing the painting to seem plastic, showing a naked and winged cupid embodied by a young boy. His pose is lighthearted and playful. His leg is placed at an angle, while his body is leaning against a globe, almost fully covered by a sheet. Beneath Cupid lies a musical instrument, a compos, and a part of armor, a quill and other attributes that were placed carelessly on the floor. Cupid is looking at the observer of the painting. His smile plays around his slightly opened mouth. In his hands there are two darts. A red one, to trigger the feelings of love, and a black one to destroy them.
Caravaggio is still the archetype of a wicked artist. His moving life, which ended at 39, played a significant role in his legend. Caravaggio’s rise from being an impoverished painter to a sought after artist in the inner circle of the Roman Cardinal was abruptly interrupted when the state of Rom sent him into exile because of alleged man slaughter. He was appointed Knight of the Order of the Knights of St. John. Shortly after, he had to flee from Malta yet again after a severe confrontation. He died in Naples at the age of 39, waiting for the annulment of his ban from Rom. He possibly died of the so-called “painter illness”, which is a kind of poisoning of lead and other toxics paint contains. The toxins can cause serious bodily harm if used carelessly.
Hier geht es zu dem Museum in Berlin, in dem Sie dieses Meisterwerk finden
ART@Berlin: Caravaggio – Cupid as Victor
