The most complete publication to date on the complex story of the Caravaggesque style. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) is probably the most admired, studied and universally known painter of 17th century Italy. Every knows the legend of this cursed and hot-tempered painter, who was rejected by the Roman Curia for his paintings, which were considered to be inappropriate and even scandalous. However, a more complete picture of this artist - as the skilful director of a career fostered and protected by influential cardinals and important nobles families - has been known for some time now, in all its complexity. Although many questions still remain regarding Caravaggio's body of work, it is certain that he never formed a proper school or studio. Caravaggio did however have a substantial circle of followers throughout Europe, an unofficial school formed by those who knew him personally and were in direct contact with his works, and also by those who discovered his work following his death. PLEASE NOTE: text is in Italian with translated English foreword only. This authoritative volume is an up-to-date publication, covering the first phase of the Caravaggesque movement.