Bartolomeo Manfredi

Bartolomeo Manfredi was an Italian painter born in 1582, whose career was closely associated with the Baroque movement. He is recognized as a prominent follower of Caravaggio, contributing significantly to the diffusion of Caravaggism beyond Rome. Manfredi's works are characterized by their dramatic use of chiaroscuro and realistic depictions of everyday life, which influenced a generation of artists known as the "Caravaggisti." Despite his relatively short life, ending in 1622, Manfredi's paintings, such as "The Lute Player" and "The Fortune Teller," played a crucial role in the spread of Caravaggio's revolutionary style. His impact is evident in the works of later artists who adopted and adapted his approach to composition and lighting. Manfredi's legacy is preserved in the collections of major museums, where his contributions to Baroque art continue to be studied and appreciated.