"Caravaggio was the most innovative painter of his time, and one of the greatest artists of any age. Controversial in his own lifetime, and notorious for his arrogance and violent character, he lived the last four years of his life in exile after committing murder. Yet he was always protected by influential patrons who admired the bold realism and originality of his art." "Recent archival research and historical investigations have produced much new information about Caravaggio and the culture and politics of his time, while cleaning, technical investigation and new discoveries have literally shed new light on the paintings. Making full use of all this material, Catherine Puglisi has produced a comprehensive monograph that supersedes all previous studies of the artist. All Caravaggio's works are discussed and illustrated in colour and full use is made of the latest documentation to present a lively and compelling portrait of the artist."--Jacket.