This article was written by Mamta Murthy
When one hears the name Michelangelo side by side with the word 'artist' it's quite likely that the first things which come to mind are magnificent works such as the sculpture of David or the Sistine Chapel paintings. Few of us know, however, that there was another artist also named Michelangelo whose works were no less prolific than the original, albeit, not as well known. This artist was born Michelangelo Merisi" in the small Lombard town of Caravaggio, Italy around 28th Sept 1573 (the exact date is not known). Years later he would become renowned as Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio after his place of birth. Michelangelo's father, Fermo Merisi, worked for Sforza da Caravaggio, a noble family that lived in Milan.
The little town of Caravaggio lies to the East of Milan. The origins of this town are not too well known: a record from 962 A. D. refers to the town as a "villa", or a settled area of some importance. In the second half of the 10th century, Caravaggio was under the rule of the Bishops of Bergamo and Cremona. The town was united with Cremona, the rulers of which assigned Caravaggio to Milan. However, the proud citizens of Caravaggio rebelled against Milan and it became the capital of the Geradadda region. Over the years, the people of Caravaggio fought courageously against the invading Cremonese, the Milanese, the Venetian, the Spanish, and the Germans to defend their territory, walling themselves up in the town's strong fortress.
Around 1525, the territory was declared a Marquisette and Giovanni Paolo Sforza became the "Marquis of Caravaggio". As new religions took root in the territory, different monasteries and churches were built in the village, and works of charity increased.
Caravaggio spent his infant years in Milan where his father worked for the Sforza family. Milan was then a Spanish dominion teeming with businessmen and artisans. On one side, the city boasted of lavishness, luxuries and opulence and on the other side the city was ravaged by extreme poverty. The winters after Michelangelo's birth saw many a death due to starvation and deprivation.
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