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SOURCES
www.mpg.de/9298461/F003_focus...
www.bbc.com/culture/article/2...
Kristina Herrmann Fiore, "Caravaggio's 'Taking of Christ' and Dürer's Woodcut of 1509"
The Burlington Magazine , Jan., 1995, Vol. 137, No. 1102 (Jan., 1995), pp. 24-27
www.jstor.com/stable/886401
Amelia Arenas, "Sex, Violence and Faith: The Art of Caravaggio"
Arion: A Journal of Humanities and the Classics , Vol. 23, No. 3 (Winter 2016), pp.
35-52
www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/...
www.academia.edu/37951774/Of_...
www.academia.edu/20718373/Out...
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publications.ias.edu/sites/de...
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Chris Zabriskie, "Cylinder 2"
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The Nerdwriter is a series of video essays about art, culture, politics, philosophy and more.
He takes it even further: In his beheading of Goliath. David is Caravaggio as an innocent child. He is beheading Goliath which is also himself, but as the sinful adult he has become. I think he gifted this painting to the pope to be allowed back in Italy; saying he beheaded his sinful self and put that behind him.
Another interpretation is that the child is his assistant - his young "lover". Gives it a whole other nuance.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
@@andremeIIo that makes it kinda creepy
I was waiting for him to say this but he never did.
@@SiliconBong you just couldn't wait to use that Great Lebowski line could you? 😂
When Nerdwriter posts, it's a good day.
One of the rare people on KZhead I’m actually excited about his videos.
100% Agree
5 good days a year then 😞
Nerdwriter1)
@@AlexJ1 Quality work takes time.
Wow. The _armor_ on The Taking of Jesus. The armor alone is amazing. The light bloom. That looks more like a photograph with a slight "painting filter" than an actual painting.
And all achieved without a lick of silver paint.
That painting is very moving. Arresting. Last year in Dublin I was lucky to see it for a third time and stood in front of it for another 20 odd minutes, just looking.
@@joosthulsman191 I'd love to experience that one day, it must've been amazing to be there and view it in person.
Yes, absolutely stunning
It looks like a photograph because it was produced with the help of a biconvex lens and a concave mirror.
Journalists of 17th century : "see, those Caravaggio's paintings are making people violent"
Orson Welles was once asked about violent media and cracked a joke about Elizabethan kids becoming hooligans after going to the Globe Theatre and the Bear pits of London
@@AstralMarmot He was commisoned by the Church. You've just watched a video where official documents of the Church on purpous of art were quoted... People says that ignorance is a bliss but in your case it's more like a shell that is protecting you from reality.
its almost like light IS the subject matter, only framed by the scene
Maybe it is?
Yesss!
Nice point!
Good point. Hell, he pretty much invented The Golden Hour so cherished by many of our best filmmakers.
You have to wonder what he would have thought of the impressionists
Nerdwriter actually makes Art History fun. Thank you for that.
It's funny for me to think that as a student of science and technology, I have mostly studied art history from KZhead teachers like Nerdwriter and John Green et. al., so the subject has always been fun for me. I can't really imagine anyone not having fun with the subject!
How can art not be fun? I've got somme lessons with our local artists, it was an amazing experience.
Sudipta Ray I’m having fun reading my art history textbook for class right now!
A good teacher can make all the difference. I love art and going to museums, but never really enjoyed learning art history formally in school. This format is so much more enjoyable.
Art history is fun.
About realism, he used the principle of “hic et nunc” meaning “here and now”: in his paintings, he chose not only people from his time but also dressed with current clothes, making them feel as real as possible
I know nothing about art and art history, but in "The Taking of Jesus Christ", I looked at it with open mouth. The shine on the Knight's armor was incredibly real, the shadows on JC's mimics is dooming, the background being pitch black is contrasting... Also instead of halos being light sources and big, he went for a single golden line which is elegant and beautiful. I've never got this excited about an art piece. Thanks for the video.
Yeah, same here. I absolutely love the way he painted the halos-- truly elegant.
The golden line is hot late-day light.
Mafuker said "JC" lol
Nerdwriter uses a flickering light around the border of all of the opening pieces of art. Then at 0:51 when he cuts to Caravaggio the flickering light is gone. That subtle piece of editing mimics the arresting quality that seeing a Caravaggio in person for the first time would have. Subconsciously you know something is different from the previous works shown. There’s a calmness in the visual quality now, one that just captures your attention, draws you in. Nerdwriter is a very talented video essayist indeed.
WOW - I hadn't noticed. What a wonderfully subtle, but impactful, effect.
Damn
We just got MK Ultra’d by Nerdwriter
I think he's doing it on purpose to emphasize his point & further support his already far reaching synopsis.
LeftPinkie - Precisely. To emulate that sensation.
7:02 "Thank you guy, I will s..." We will never kwno what will he s.
looking through comments to see what he...
I don't know maybe he jus...
Smell you later.
😂
Stay here till you leave
The end cuts off quicker than Holofernes' head.
I've been in love with Caravaggio's paintings ever since I first laid eyes on them. They're so potent and virile... life distilled on a canvas. The renditions of 'St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness' are faves of mine. You spoke of the wasted potential with his early death. Artemisia Gentileschi can be considered his successor, taking into account the history they had. His influence is evident in her style, especially in the 'Judith and her maidservant' series.
I dunno if it was intentionally done, or if it even means anything, but jesus' hand in the calling of st matthew looks a lot like adam's hand in the creation of adam.
It was completely intended.
Boh I don't think so
that's the natural way our hand rests in air though
@@noodlery7034 you'd be right if his index finger was positioned like the rest of his fingers
Of course it is a tribute to the other Michelangelo, my friend. It is the same exact hand. For Jesus is God, after all.
watching this in 5K (I don't think i've ever seen a youtuber post a video in 5K) was beautiful
love u Nathan!!
That was indeed a whole other level.
@@dalhemarceleza Waite! He did whaaat !
Watching this in lowest quality, still beautiful
I'll settle at 240.😁😁
I've fell in love with Caravaggio's work while studying Art History at UT... His work broke through the barrier of the collective unconscious and is admirable for his talent and eye for expressionism. His inspiration lives in eternity
Absolutely incredible he accomplished what he did in only 38 years of life
That was very common back then with no mich of entertainment available as today. And centuries ago, any minimum thought out of box could lead to innovations, when nowadays, phylosophy adn science is so developed that you need to be very specialized and be lucky enough to be able to evolve or paradigm shift anything. And even video games, whic are a very new form of art, are already facing a plateau.
I could listen to nerdwriter tell me about paintings literally all day
Yeah Nerdwriter, we need something like that from you
Seeing a Caravaggio in person is incredible. His use of light and chiaroscuro is unbelievably delicate. Tremendously beautiful.
Drove today one hundred and twenty miles to see Caravaggio′s Judith and Holofernes, where it is on loan to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and I couldn't agree more, incredible.
Never cease to amaze me with each video 🐐
Aye man been checking out some of your stuff as well. Keep it up. That Keith Haring and Basquiat documentary were good dude
the level of depth in the art, this is the goal forever
I had *just* gone down a "Caravaggio" rabbit hole before this video popped up: I'm just obsessed by the intensity of the images.
Exposed, vulnerable, involved...yup, this is why I'm here.
Not to be that person, but everyone needs to add seeing the Calling of St Matthew in Rome in person in the church to your bucket-list. In fact, do a Caravaggio painting tour of Rome or something if you can. Goddamn life changing.
There is a room full of Caravaggio paintings in the Galleria Borghese!
@@plica06 The Galleria Borghese is an incredible art gallery - the power of the pieces in there just absolutely blew me away.
Indeed: if only for the detail alone! Unless you have a massive size file on a 6 foot high def screen, there is no matching being able to see the original in person. There are many Carravaggio paintings in Rome - find them online, or with The Blue Guide.
It's Conversion on the Way to Damascus that made me fall in love with Caravaggio. I've only seen one of his painting in person though.... and it's going to be a while before travel happens again. I am envious of your experience. It's been on my list forever.
@@Zveebo The Borghese Gallery is like the Getty Center, only more so: not that big, but almost every piece is AMAZING.
Caravaggio is one of my favourite artists and Nerdwriter captured perfectly the feeling of seeing a Caravaggio for the first time.. that feeling of immediate immersion into a reality that's more heightened than the one we're in.
I have traveled around europe seeing most of caravaggios paintings that is on public display and it's a deeply emotion experience every time. My absolute favorite painter a true master on the level of mozart and hendrix.
Because of this exact type of video, I started making videos on art history over a year ago. Thank you so much Nerdwriter for all your work! You're truly an inspiration!
@DATING HARLEY QUINN I'm doing my best and I really hope you enjoy! Thank you for checking it out!
The Canvas subscribed!
@DATING HARLEY QUINN Thank you! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. It means a lot to me
@@mjolninja9358 Thank you so much!!
i was looking for similar art videos for so long, i'll definitely check your channel out
Whoa. Interesting aspect ratio
he matches the aspect ratio of his subjects and it's so refreshing
My ultrawide display dislikes it.
@@leo-2b2t51 Sigh... Seriously, why the assumption. Mine is literally the cheapest ultrawide on the market.
@@leo-2b2t51 apology accepted ;)
Ruben Bekaert & Leo - 2b2t, this is the most shockingly polite and refreshing ending to a comment argument I’ve ever seen on KZhead. A++
I saw his painting in Malta of St John writing and I had tears in my eyes. It was totally unexpected. I went into the cathedral, I walked into this dark room, I saw the painting lit up and glowing with its own light and I was hit with this flood of emotion.
The calling of saint mathew has been my wallpaper for 5 years now, absolutely my favourite painting
He is my favorite artist of all time. As a photographer, I studied his lighting in his paintings
Had caravaggio calmed down, these paintings likely wouldn't exist as they do
Agree. The same energy that got him in trouble made him such a great painter.
Never thought about it that way, but it makes sense
@@ElectricalNoises right. Its like saying that you wish Chris Cornell hadn't struggled with depression so that he could've lived on and continued to make that same awesome music. Of course his death was heart wrenching and tragic (i cried when I found out) but the songs wouldn't be what they are if he didn't struggle as he did.
Perhaps. But I think you equate turmoil with expertise in expression and while it can be a trance-like giving over to art, so to can we grow and find peace while not losing the exquisite sight and touch (here, literally) that can so bring forth emotions, so compellingly tell a story. Then again, if disease took him... maybe this idle speculation matters not. Though, I hope he found the peace he clearly sought.
@@x--. expertise or technical skill mean nothing if you have nothing to express. Although it's fair to point out that had he settled in his later years he may have been able to draw on those youthful passions. In my experience, those later artworks never really capture the energy of the early works, but we shouldn't expect them to as the artist has changed as a person.
I am a Christain and this art fills me with so much emotion. It’s incredible. Thank you Nerd Writer.
"When we're reminded how dramatic reality really is" - Evan Puschak
This is what I want! My favorite KZheadr talking about classical painting, and Caravaggio at that. :)
Look, I love Caravaggio, in fact he is probably my favourite painter ever and he is a lot of different things to a lot of different people but "classic" is not one of them.
Just so you know, "Classical art" refers to the art made during the ancient greek and roman periods. That's why Vlad made a snarky comment about the phrasing.
Love your art essays.
I just got back from Italy, searched out and got to see several Caravaggio paintings; including the three St Mathew’s side by side. The Borghese Gallery has a room devoted to him and several painters that he inspired. Stunning works that enriched our experience! I feel truly fortunate to have been able to see his works.
One of my favourite painters of that era. Used to have to study art paintings at my film school to deconstruct and recreate, he was awesome.
Man, the look of betrayal on Jesus Christ is so beautiful.
Unusual aspect ratio Not the usual coffee intro I love how he went all in with aesthetics as well
I don't fully understand why, but when I see such beautiful paintings that not only depicts motion and human expressions so perfectly but does that in such bold lighting and incredible execution, it makes me emotional in a weird way, like I'm participating in a hyper-reality, where one feels connected through time and space and share the same emotions, reactions and feelings with all of the other humans that where fortunate enough to glimpse in that artwork. It's as if each color picked and stroke made were made violating all of the chaos in the world to make a near-perfect simulacrum on reality and that incredible feat can be shared between everybody in a way that words are incapable of accurately describing it. God, art is awesome.
The calm of your voice combined with the commitment of informing makes these videos so easily digestible. Much respect
Love Caravaggio. Did you know his style heavily influenced the direction and cinematography in The Godfather? That's why partly why his work still feels so familiar to us today
Wow
Caravaggio is one of my favourite artists and the taking of Christ is among my favourite pieces of art. So great to see such a beautiful exploration of his work.
I’ve watched this piece so many times. I love Caravaggio but I also love this short
You remember artists of paintings which have left very strong impressions on you. Caravaggio is one. A superlative artist. I have never seen a more masterful use of chiaroscuro.
I'd like to see your take on Ilya Repin's paintings and his representation of emotion.
What an absolute delight. He's one of the artists I studied in school that actually stuck with me. Incredible.
Caravaggio: The "RTX on" of his time.
This is why I love history it makes sense of the what and why. Even put notable people in the spotlight. Normally one would encounter and know caravaggio intimately in highschool or art school. But this video sums up the genius' brilliance and reality with all its nooks and crannies. To be honest, caravaggio's works helped me A TON in art school without me even knowing him that well Thank you for making this. Its lovely
Please continue making these wonderful art history videos. I love the way you analyze the art, because you understand the emotion behind it, not only the facts.
OMG More classic paintings! I thought we'd never get more of these! Thank you!
i love caravaggio. his play on shadow and light is amazing. i saw one of his paintings at the met in ny. his work is stunning and so lifelike it's almost shocking.
This video is in a nutshell one of my new hobbies from quarantine, studying art. Nerdwriter1 did a lot of research to compose the art itself that is this video. Caravagio is the artist that perfected Chiaroscuro and an innovator that sits aside in the Baroque movement. Thanks Nerdwriter.
The Caravaggio-Bernini exhibition in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam is amazing, it's on until september 13 so hurry up!
God damn, you Amsterdamians got everything! I was there two years ago and my mind was blown seeing Rembrandt's Night Watch up close!
That's my birthday. All I've ever wanted is to do a Caravaggio tour. But, you know... [gestures broadly at everything]... sigh.
His style has always lit up my heart ♥️
Amazing, as always. So happy you did Caravaggio... I did some art reports on a few of his works back in high school, and it really was nostalgic. The lighting is so dramatic, but also the ability to capture spit-second reactions/moments of the characters in the paintings is part of what makes them so immersive. Much thanks!
i started painting oils because of caravaggio. he was my favorite before i watched this video and you have made me appreciate him even more than I had. Awesome essay to showcase and awe inspiring artist.
madly in love with Nerdwriter’s art vids
I love art history, I got my undergrad degree in studio art and I loved history and I get unreasonably excited when I see posts about my favorite artist by you.
Evan I just discovered your work about a month ago and I have been DEVOURING it. I am blown away by the breadth and depth of your knowledge and interests. At the end of each video I watch, all that resounds in my heart is "I wanna be like that. I wanna think like that. I wanna investigate things and see connections and articulate original thoughts like that." And since a KZhead comment seems like the best way I can get a hold of you, I gotta know... How did you become like this? What did you learn? What did you read? If you're simply a prodigy do you have literally any ideas on how I could learn to think or investigate or speak like you do? Please don't read as "I want to have the same thoughts as you," but read as "I want to use the same method of thinking as you." I greatly admire your work, and your work has some sort of resonance with me that I would like to possess myself if it were possible. I know it's probably a difficult question to answer.. "How did you learn to think?" But I'm just so blown away by your curiosity, your originality, and your ability to communicate your thoughts. I've got to learn what I can!
I stumbled upon this painting in Rome. I was near the trevi fountain, near it there was a church St Louis the French, a beautiful baroque church, and on the left cupola, there were the 3 masterpieces. Then I thought this could only happen in Rome
I was like Nerdwriter hasn't made one about Caravaggio yet? That feels like it should exist already... Beautiful work, man
ikr? and the aspect ratio threw me off even more
What an incredible video. The reveal of “The calling of Mathew” have me chills and brought tears to my eyes.
I first discovered Caravaggio’s art when I was studying abroad in Rome a few years ago almost in the same way you described. He became my favorite immediately as I’d never seen such amazing light composition.
i love to watch your videos. not just because of how well the subjects are dicussed but also because of how the videos themselves are in fact art. they are always opening new windows and make me discover a perspective i‘ve never had before. i even find joy in topics i normally don’t and that’s wonderful, please never stop :)
These art analysises just hit different, dude. Keep. Them. Coming.
Caravaggio: Master of Light. Also, master of walking around with a sword and getting into fights.
I got to see some of his work in the art museum in Vienna, at the time I didn’t know who Caravaggio was, but still in a room full of amazing paintings I just stood in front of David with the head of Goliath and couldn’t take my eyes off of it. I had never seen something so captivating before it almost made me tear up
LOVE Caravaggio's art. Also, that build-up to show the contrast of Caravaggio's work to others at the time is beautiful.
I began replaying the Assassin's Creed series last week, and now Nerdwritter drops this video. I feel blessed.
Don't trust the "history" included in the games; they like to make the Catholics only ever the villains. But they are fun games.
Wow these are some of the greatest videos that this platform has to offer!! Excellent job nerdwriter!
I saw an exposition of Caravaggio in vienna just about a year ago. Nice to see your appreciation for his work. I loved it.
Love the subtle use of 4:3.
As an Irishman, I've always thought it was really random and hilarious that one of the greatest paintings of all time was rediscovered in a house in Dublin in 1990.
What is the story behind that may I ask?
@@ecddanieldce6753 I seem to recall it was found in the attic of a Jesuit priest’s house, or a Jesuit convent. One or the other ✨🧡✨
Nerdwriter is in a very select group of channels that I am ok with posting a video in 4:3
A comment*
Dude that totally threw me! After clicking on the video I was like,"Oh this must be pre-2010 and I just never seen this old Nerdwriter vid."😂
@@miguelhuaman8280 what?
@@zinho223 Your comment doesn't make sense. What you are saying is that this is one of the few channels where you are confortable with posting a video IN IT but you cannot publish videos in the channel of another person. I think I get what you are trying to say but your english is broken.
@@miguelhuaman8280It's likely that my English is incorrect, it's not my first language. But I honestly don't get what's wrong with my initial comment. I'm, jokingly, saying that Nerdwriter1 is one of the few channels that I'm ok with posting a video in this aspect ratio.
The way you explain these pieces opens a whole new dimension of understanding of art that I can never fully comprehend on my own. Thank you
Thank you for making this video, for your attention to detail, for the high quality of the content, for your edifying commentary and analysis on the art; it is a true gift.
When i first saw the "The Calling of St Matthew" it looked like Jesus was wearing a hat and not halo.
Haha glad i wasn't the only one like, "ohhh, so its a halo..."😂
Love your art essays. Keep up the great content!
Powerful opening on the white screen! I physically pulled back when St. Matt popped in frame then leaned forward eagerly! It’s so much more impactful in the context of mannerism. “Calmed down and lived another thirty years,” is new favorite summary for all creatives. Thank you and looking forward to MORE ART HISTORY!
Thank you very much for highlighting Caravaggio, my late uncle’s favourite artist. I can not help but shed a tear understanding more about this guy and in turn uncovering my mysterious uncle posthumously.
nerdwriter: uploaded a new essay me whatever I'm doing at that moment: hold my beer
3:18 Westside Gunn - Pray for Paris 🔥
FLYGOD
Yesssss
my first encounter with Caravaggio was in Dublin seeing The Taking of Christ, for ever after he has been my favourite Renaissance painter. Fantastic work as always nerdwriter1, he truly is the master of the light.
Angle of light,high contrast scene+Emotions that's sets it apart from rest art.❤
"The taking of Christ" is in the National Gallery in Dublin, Ireland. You can see this picture for free and is impressive.
The way that Jesus is obscured in that painting is interesting. It almost makes him feel more mysterious and divine, still commanding awe even if his full form isn’t viewable to mortal men.
It also makes Matthew the subject of the painting rather than Jesus, who usually takes center stage in art.
i love this series. i never used to know how great a painting could be until he showed me all these details. and it is so well written and presented too
The adoration and deep appreciation with which you explained it was fantastic. I love Caravaggio's work but i think it's heightened because of this video essay. Excellent job man
Critic: "He paints shadows contrasted by light..." Caravaggio: "I just have a lot of black paint..."
😂
He got the black paint at a sale
“His light has travelled 400 years through time, undimmed.” Wow
What a wonderful (and illuminating) video -- I've always been in love with Caravaggio's work, and I don't see it talked about much here. You're still absolutely one of the best at what you do, so I say: Thank you!
as an artist who pushes back against the corruption and pretentiousness of the art world, these videos re spark my passion, so much so I actually cried when you were describing this. Your art analysis videos are always so so powerful to me
I need to know what the typeface is called, it's gorgeous 🙏
Caravaggio is probably one the most Influential visual artist ever
i saw a caravaggio in an old, forgotten church in northern italy, lit only by a few candles. and even in that dim, dark church, the characters in his painting stood out visibly. says a lot about his skill of capturing light.
Your descriptions and depictions of these great works of art takes my breathe away and initiates the need to create my own art
Its insane to consider that these artists were so young by todays standards. At 38 his art career should barely have started
I haven’t studied Caravaggio for a while, he’s quite good.
only quite good huh lol
Srsly? He is at least art master of all art masters, a genius, man of perfection, mind, beauty, uomo universale (come dicono gli italiani) Amen.
We have a picture copy of The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio in the lobby of the Tomb Chapel at National Shrine of Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica. The cathedral used to be my parish and since I was small, I was fascinated by the picture. I would feel (and still do) that the painting is too strong and visceral. It evokes emotions that I find really hard to explain.
How can someone know so much and sound smart about so many things 😂
The internet.
Google and skewl