Boy Bitten by a Lizard c. 1894

"Boy Bitten by a Lizard," a painting by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio, c. 1894, depicts a young man in a moment of intense pain. His contorted face and outstretched hand suggest a sudden and unexpected attack. Caravaggio is known for his dramatic use of chiaroscuro (the interplay of light and dark), which creates a sense of realism and intensity. The composition is simple, focusing on the boy’s emotional response, which is amplified by the dramatic contrast between the boy's pale skin and the dark background. The inclusion of a vase of flowers and a bowl of fruit in the foreground adds a sense of symbolism to the painting, likely representing themes of beauty and mortality.