Which painter spent the last 4 years of his life on the run for murder?

Caravaggio, one of the most renowned Italian painters of the Baroque period, spent the last four years of his life on the run after being accused of murder. Caravaggio's tumultuous life and controversial art have made him a fascinating figure in art history.

Caravaggio's career was marked by his revolutionary use of light and shadow, as well as his realistic and often violent subject matter. His paintings were highly sought after, but his personal life was plagued by violence and scandal.

In 1606, Caravaggio was involved in a brawl that resulted in the death of a man named Ranuccio Tomassoni. Fearing for his life, Caravaggio fled Rome and spent the next four years moving from city to city in an attempt to evade capture. During this time, he continued to paint and produce some of his most famous works.

Despite being on the run, Caravaggio's reputation as an artist continued to grow. His dramatic use of light and shadow, as seen in paintings such as "The Calling of Saint Matthew" and "Judith Beheading Holofernes," influenced generations of artists to come.

Unfortunately, Caravaggio's time on the run came to an end in 1610 when he died under mysterious circumstances on the coast of Tuscany. Some believe he was murdered, while others think he succumbed to illness or injuries sustained during his time on the run.

Caravaggio's legacy as both an artist and a fugitive continues to captivate art lovers and historians to this day. His turbulent life and groundbreaking art have solidified his place as one of the most important figures in the history of Western art.

If you're interested in learning more about Caravaggio and his fascinating life story, you can visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art or The National Gallery for more information.

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