Dive into the dramatic world of Baroque art with a virtual stroll through the cobbled streets of Rome, discovering the masterpieces of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. This engaging course is your all-access pass to understanding the enigmatic artist and his influence on the world of art. You'll get up close and personal with Caravaggio's most iconic works, exploring the rich details, powerful use of chiaroscuro, and the emotional depth that each painting presents. Along the way, we'll unpack his tumultuous life story, which is as captivating as his art, and how his legacy has reverberated through the centuries.

But this isn't just a history lesson; it's a toolkit for appreciating and applying artistic principles in modern contexts. By analyzing Caravaggio's techniques, you'll develop a keen eye for the play of light and shadow, composition, and storytelling in visual media. Whether you're an artist, designer, or simply a lover of art, these insights will enrich your understanding and conversation about visual culture. Plus, if a trip to Italy is on your horizon, you'll be prepped to experience these masterpieces first-hand, transforming a simple gallery visit into a multi-layered, personal encounter with genius.

is an art historian with doctoral degrees in modern art history and classical antiquities. She is an expert on the statue collection of Pope Julius II, the founder of the Vatican Museums and her book on the subject is a point of reference world-wide. Caravaggio, however swept her off her feet, and she has recently published a book on his paintings in the church of St. Louis of the French. Sara has a special skill in taking serious historical research and turning it into fun, interesting insights for the general public. She has hosted programs on art for Italian television and is didactic consultant for the Vatican Museums, and is our resident art history celebrity!