In the context of The Musicians (Caravaggio), explain the Identity of the Figures of the Description & Interpretations.
Caravaggio seems to have composed the painting from studies of two figures. The central figure with the lute has been identified as Caravaggio's companion Mario Minniti, and the individual next to him and facing the viewer is possibly a self-portrait of the artist. The Cupid bears resemblance to the boy in Boy Peeling Fruit, done a few years before, and also to the angel in Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy.The individuals who modeled for Caravaggio were essential to his artwork. The depictions he created from live models maintained the unique features of each individual even when portraying characters from biblical or mythological stories. Caravaggio believed in the concept of "ritrarre dal naturale," or painting from life, rather than using the intellect or idea as inspiration Caravaggio often painted natural looking figures from everyday life instead of idealized figures from the imagination. Caravaggio's style was not always accepted by the elites, buyers, and fellow artists because of this.He was known for painting his subjects and models right on to his canvases without sketching first. This was seen as unconventional for his time but he would break the boundaries of traditional Renaissance painting by creating works of art that depicted people in a way that was natural and reflected everyday people.Caravaggio applied a precise approach when painting the models in his pieces, including non-human subjects such as still life. These models shared the same level of individuality as the human models but were subject to revision by the artist. The selection of human models appeared to be based on their facial features and the characteristics associated with their appearance. Caravaggio used his models in repetitive roles, assigning them to roles that contradicted their physiognomy.
lute Renaissance Cupid Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy Boy Peeling Fruit Mario Minniti elites Caravaggio physiognomy