nely. Details are absent from the atmosphere except for a small plant which sits on the ground by itself. The plant echoes the loneliness of St. John. The atmospheric presence enhances the feel of the subject but is not the focus. Caravaggio possesses a unique style in which he manipulates lighting to create a vivid visual effect. The lighting starkly focuses on St. John, putting him into the direct line of view. Caravaggio’s creative use of lighting also becomes apparent in the sharp contrasts of light and dark in this painting. These contrasts are most obvious in the folds of the drapery. Using drapery to create shadows and highlights is typical of the Baroque style. The drapery is intentionally textured by the brushstrokes to appear thick and heavy, echoing the emotional state of the subject. Caravaggio demonstrates again that sense of defeat St. John suffers from, by shadowing beneath his eyes. Shadows in this painting work to create the impression of depth and emotion. Though Bartolome’s paintings are from approximately the same time period of Baroque style, he represents the effect geography has on art. His style reflects the influence of the Renaissance in Italy and Flanders. His style contrasts immensely with Caravaggio’s, yet they do share some similarities. Both artists use the same medium and support which is oil on canvas, yet the way in which they manipulate them is unique. The iconography of Virgin of the Immaculate Conception resembles Caravaggio’s in that they are both biblical figures depicting a particular biblical scene, yet Bartolome’s portrayal differs greatly. An immediate and obvious difference in this painting is that the Virgin is surrounded by cherubs, whereas Caravaggio’s St. John is pictured alone. The Virgin’s face fits into an idealized image rather than the personal and realistic figure Caravaggio depicts. Her appearance is softened, whereas St. John’s appear...
