Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane

This book rates among the best biographies (and best books) I have read in quite a long time. While the author is certainly an erudite academic, the text is approachable and well-written (i.e., it is not the dry litany of facts that one may expect). The decade of research and the passion of the topic at hand on the behalf of the author are evident from the beginning of the book to its end. The reader will approach Caravaggio's work (and the work of other masters) with new insight; previously accepted facts about works of art and their creators will be challenged and questioned.The success of the book lies not in the research by the author of Caravaggio (he left almost no paper trail and no descendents) but in the research into the zeitgeist of the time and place in which the great artist lived. Here, the author shines as we learn about the laws, customs, history, social unrest, religion, and attitudes of early 17th century Italy - and how it affected the "bad boy" of Art History.The hypothesis on Caravaggio's true possible occupation is somewhat shocking but backed by sound evidence. The challenge to his historically accepted sexual orientation (and the actual known facts culled from obscure sources) will cause the reader to question supposed truths in all future endeavors into the topic of art historical research - that makes this volume required reading for all art students as well as connoisseurs.Each major work of Caravaggio is analyzed for technique and symbolism - as well as original impact. The reader is afforded the luxury of having each referenced work as a color plate within the book itself. Thus, the reader not only has a delightful biography but a solid reference for the work of this important master.After you complete this read, you will never look at a Caravaggio work the same way again.

This book is an edifying, immensely enjoyable, and curious mix of biography and art appreciation. I say curious mix because after ten years of research Dixon-Graham has permitted the reader to sense (and I use the word explicitly) how the artist's works subtly changed the author. Nothing dramatic here except that to note a feeling that as his book progresses, the author seems to exhibit some of that wild uncontrollable passion that marks the life of Caravvagio. Fortunately for the reader, ending in a happier ending.The author's preoccupation with the influence of the art of the sacro monte is illuminating for this American reader because I had heretofore associated such displays with a type of tv proselyting or paper mache displays, a bit mawkish and maudlin. However Graham-Dixon certainly does shed much illumination on Caravaggio's early development in northern Italy, the effect of living in a city culturally and religiously ruled by Borromeo, and the lack training in the arts as was then common practice. There can be no doubt that the author takes those unfamiliar with this artist to a new understanding or those who have found this artist particularly unnerving or just aesthetically unappreciated as II had.Needless to say if you admire Caravaggio, then you will enjoy this book as biography. If you wish to understand this work, then this book will answer many questions. It also is for the neophyte one of the best descriptions of how to appreciate still lives in particular or art is general. If there is some very soft English humor here, then you should mull over the claim that the toothed lizard in Caravaggio's still life "Boy Bitten By A Lizard" is an image of "vagina dentata."I would not take issue with this or any other opinion Mr. Graham-Dixon might have concerning Caravaggio since it may end with rapiers flying. Suffice it say that the author has written a book that will not fail to satisfy a reader looking for an intelligent, provocative, and sophisticated book.

This must be in your collection. The Red Fur Room[...]A novel based on a true story. A coming of age experience of a naive young man named Sali Hand from a small southern town built on textile mills. With his boyhood friend they unwittingly visit an isolated coastal city, fallen to decay, for a town ritual. Hidden under a canopy of old oak trees drapped in spanish moss the beauty of this old place immediately arrests Sali's imagination and wonderous curiosity, and his heart is intoxicated with his first love. Incidentally Sali will not return home, and consequently his friend's destiny will leave him in pieces to be found hidden throughout the grand park that is home to the blight after dark. With certainty a plague will soon seep in from the trees and began slowly distilling the life from Sali's new found friends casting him into a dark nightmare he may not escape. With the rising hot air the spanish moss sweeps gracefully in slow rhythm over the arms that have embraced a culture for hundreds of years. It will now set the town on fire with fear.Due out this fall 2013

I give this book five stars. This book is a classic. Having read it twice, I am left with the feeling that it will remain one of the definitive biographies on Caravaggio. Graham-Dixon not only conveys his own unique and persuasive interpretations of the works of the artist, but he argues his findings on the known facts of his life like the closing arguments of a barrister. The book delves into a great deal of detail, which is all completely enjoyable reading, as the author corrects the distortions, which the contemporaries of the artists left to posterity. This book is the perfect companion to “Caravaggio - The Complete Works.” 40th Ed. by Sebastian Schütze (Author) published by Taschen as a 40th anniversary edition of the publishing house.

The author examined the painter and his work from many angles. He was as thorough as a layperson like me needed him to be. An expert in this field might find holes in the work, but I very much enjoyed learning more about this genius of the 16th century. I highly recommend.

This book strikes a balance between biography and appreciation of the artists work. The writer seamlessly weaves the two and the organic nature of this synthesis testifies the great skill of the author. The best part of the book is the analysis of the art works itself and here Mr. Dixon shows the sensitivity and academic rigour.

A well researched and captivating book. Entertaining yet coherent, detailed and with a thorough review of available material. Follows a chronological approach but gors well beyond the scope and breadth of a standard biography or of an artistic teview.

What a wonderful book ! Very informative, thoroughly researched . Dixon's interpretations and analyses of the paintings are presented with acute sensitivity. I have not finished reading the book, but will return to it again and again.

Strongly suggested to curious people fond of history and everything concerning Michelangelo Merisi.Andrew Graham-Dixon is a wonderful and engaging teacher, as in his BBC programs.

It's struck some core art ideals. Perfectly deceptive illusionism defines my own artistic endeavours to this point. Andrew Graham-Dixon'sdescription of Art + the times + circumstances folks lived in late 16th century are illuminating. I'm also impressed with hisuse of other author's source material to shed light on the brilliant artist Caravaggio!