Boy Bitten by a Lizard (c.1596) by Caravaggio

Boy Bitten by a Lizard - Caravaggio - c.1596

Artwork Information

TitleBoy Bitten by a Lizard
ArtistCaravaggio
Datec.1596
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions66 x 49.5 cm
Art MovementBaroque,Tenebrism
Current LocationNational Gallery, London, UK, Fondazione Roberto Longhi, Florence, Italy

About Boy Bitten by a Lizard

The artwork titled “Boy Bitten by a Lizard,” created by the acclaimed artist Caravaggio circa 1596, is an oil painting on canvas. This portrait, belonging to the Baroque art movement and characterized by the tenebrism technique, measures 66 by 49.5 centimeters. The painting is housed in both the National Gallery in London, UK, and the Fondazione Roberto Longhi in Florence, Italy.

In the artwork, a young boy is depicted at the moment of being bitten by a lizard, capturing an expression of surprise and pain on his face. His contorted posture and the pronounced chiaroscuro, a hallmark of tenebrism, emphasize the dramatic tension of the scene. The boy’s attire, with a bare shoulder and light garment, contrasts starkly with the dark background, enhancing the emotional intensity. The boy’s hand recoils, capturing the instant reaction to the bite, while the presence of various elements like the glass carafe with flowers and fruits adds layers of still life to the composition. Caravaggio’s mastery in rendering realistic textures and his effective use of light and shadow make this painting a profound study of human expression and emotion.

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