Art History Lecture w/ Tom Richards - Caravaggio Pt.1 - Introduction

An installment in the Art History related content on The FAA Collective Patreon

Dear Patrons,

Thank you for your support! This week we are excited to present you with the first part of a three-part lecture series by Tom Richards, Assistant Director of the Florence Academy of Art, on Caravaggio (1571–1610)!

Throughout this lecture series you will be taken on a journey through many works of the artist born Michelangelo Merisi in Caravaggio, Italy in 1571, and better known as simply “Caravaggio,” as well as works by several others. Tom Richards expertly guides us through the life of the artist, qualities of the paintings, and invites the listener to explore how the history and time of a painter can be tied to the work they create.

In Caravaggio Pt.1 – Introduction we learn about the artist’s early years, education, and travels while focusing on the question: “is an artist born or made?” From Caravaggio’s studies with Simone Peterzano (1535–1599, self-proclaimed to have been taught by Titian) to travels through Florence, Rome, and more, we begin to examine how his instruction and the works he’d have seen could have influenced the works he was making and would make throughout his life. A notoriously mercurial character, Caravaggio had many competitors and adversaries until his death in 1610, yet his paintings have persisted in continuously inspiring and enthralling the masses throughout the centuries. Although no one can claim to say precisely why an artist’s work perseveres through the annals of time, this lecture series attempts to shine a little light on the, at times very dark, life and work of Caravaggio.

We hope you thoroughly enjoy this lecture and remind you to stay tuned for the next two lectures throughout the “Painting Season” on The FAA Collective Patreon!

Art History Lecture w/ Tom Richards – Caravaggio Pt.2 – Simplicity and Force

Art History Lecture w/ Tom Richards – Caravaggio Pt.3 – Symbols and Storytelling

More about Tom:

Tom Richards was born in London in 1982. In addition to his experience as a painter he has an MA in Art History from the University of St Andrews, graduating in 2005. Since then Tom has divided his time between London and Florence. In recent years he has exhibited his work in London and undertaken numerous commissions in Europe and beyond. Before joining The Florence Academy of Art he trained extensively with Charles H. Cecil, a former colleague of Daniel Graves.

To view his work visit:

Website: www.tawrichards.com

Instagram: @tominflorence