PBS had a special on Caravaggio the other night. He was a brilliant painter and thus a brilliant man. It is said that "He was notorious for brawling, even in a time and place when such behavior was commonplace." Caravaggio died of a fever, most likely malaria, shortly after he finished this painting. The painting is of Caravaggio's own severed head being displayed by a common man. He had sent it and others to the church in Rome to ask forgiveness for his many crimes and perhaps be allowed to return. His most notable crimes were two counts of murder. He died while his works were in transit but when they were received, his plea for forgiveness was rejected.
On the hilt of the sword reads "Humilitas occidit superbiam." Humility kills pride. A fine lesson for everyone especially chess players. We will all win glorious victories where the other player is swiftly torn apart or mated by a brilliantly executed series. We will all lose by the same hand. In either case, humility is what seperates the honorable from the conceited. Something Caravaggio took a lifetime to learn.
2 comments:
the painting is of David (from the biblical stories of David and Goliath). He was sanctioned from the church to paint a series of these. In his last addition he painted the picture where the artist was being be-headed by David - reflecting on his own lifestyle as being the Goliath of his time.
Thanks for the info Anon. That is an interesting analysis. I have seen some mixed opinions on this painting. From what I gather He sent it to the Church for forgiveness and because of his obligations.
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