The DNA profile of Caravaggio
Are you related to the famous painter?
Discover a possible family connection with the famous painter and also compare yourself with many other famous people!
The DNA of an early baroque painter
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, commonly known as Caravaggio, was an Italian painter who lived and worked during the Baroque period. He was born in 1571 in Milan, Italy. He got his artist name 'Caravaggio' from the small town his family came from. His father Fermo Merisi was steward and architect to the Marchese of Caravaggio.
Caravaggio is one of the most famous exponents of Italian Baroque painting, known for its dramatic depiction of light and shadow. His work is considered revolutionary and influenced many generations of artists after him. He was known for depicting his subjects in a way that appeared as three-dimensional and realistic as possible. He achieved this by using strong light-dark contrast (chiaroscuro) in his paintings, resulting in an intense, dramatic mood.
Caravaggio was also known for his tumultuous and often violent personal lifestyle. After being convicted of a brutal murder in Rome, he was forced to flee the city and spent the rest of his life on the run. However, during this time he still managed to create some of his most famous works such as The Beheading of St. John the Baptist or Madonna of the Pilgrims.
He died in 1610 under mysterious circumstances on his way back to Rome. Over the cause of his death has been much speculated, with theories ranging from malaria to lead poisoning - a possible result of the use of lead in oil painting.
There is still some research to be done on Caravaggio's genealogical background. For example, in 2010 a team of Italian scholars led by Silvano Vincenti conducted a study to determine the identity of Caravaggio's remains. They relied on historical records to locate a possible tomb in Porto Ercole, Tuscany.
The scientists extracted genetic material from the remains and compared it to that of people living in Caravaggio, Lombardy, with the surname 'Merisi.' The haplogroup, which has specific genetic markers passed down from generation to generation, that they found in the remains was consistent with the haplogroup of current Merisi family members in Caravaggio. This suggested that the remains did indeed belong to those of Caravaggio.
In genetics, haplogroup is a term used to classify genetic genealogy based on shared DNA signatures. It can be used to determine a person's ancestry or lineage and can help establish links between individuals who share common ancestors. So in Caravaggio's case, they not only proved the identity of the dead artist, but also provided an interesting insight into the family history of Caravaggio's Merisis.
In summary, Caravaggio, a pioneer of Baroque painting, is admired for his outstanding technical ability and unique style that used light and shadow in dramatic ways. Despite his tumultuous personal lifestyle, he managed to create some of the most impressive works of Western art. Research on his genealogy, and in particular that on his haplogroup, not only sheds light on the artist's identity and origins, but also illustrates how genetic working methods can expand our knowledge of historical figures.
Caravaggio belonged in the paternal line to the haplogroup E-M96.
My Ancestral Discovery with iGENEA: An Unforeseen Connection to Caravaggio
Discover how a simple DNA testing kit purchase became an awe-inspiring journey into the past, including an unexpected connection to the renowned Italian artist, Caravaggio. Embark on an ancestral revelation with iGENEA. (Q. McGorry)
Ever since I first found out about the concept of DNA testing through iGENEA, my curiosity was piqued. I grew eager to discover my ancestral roots and connections. Never did I think that one simple kit could illuminate so much about my past, including a surprising connection to the prominent Italian artist Michelangelo Merisi, more commonly known as Caravaggio.
The journey began rather straightforwardly as the package arrived quickly, arriving at my doorstep a few days after I placed my order. The instruction manual in the DNA test kit was clear-cut, explaining every step of the process succinctly. Gathering the saliva sample was hassle-free, a process made simple with the cheek swab provided. Once my sample was securely placed back into the box, I sent it off to the laboratory. At this stage, I was filled with anticipation, waiting for my genetic history to unfold.
The customer service kept me continually informed throughout the process, notifying me when they received my sample and updating me on the progress. It took about six weeks for the results to come back, but the wait was well worth it. The reports were comprehensive, including a thorough breakdown of my haplogroups, breaking down my maternal and paternal lineages and migration patterns. I was presented with substantial detail about my past, a complete revelation of untold stories hidden within my DNA.
The most astonishing part of the results was discovering that I share common ancestors with Caravaggio. As an art enthusiast, connecting myself with someone as pivotal in the art world as Caravaggio was goosebump-inducing. I was given a detailed report on this particular line of ancestry, listing possible common ancestors and laying out the migratory route my ancestors must have taken. It was a jaw-dropping moment and a surprise of the best kind.
My experience with iGENEA has been a profound journey into my past. The services were professional, the process simple, and the results - well, they were more than I could have expected. This experience has given me a sense of belonging, an understanding of my roots, and a fascinating link to an iconic figure in the history of art.
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Questions and answers about the DNA test
How long does a DNA origin analysis take?
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This is how the DNA origin analysis works
A Mucus Sample suffices to get a sample of your DNA. Taking the sample is simple and painless and can be done at home. Send the samples with the envelop included in the sampling kit.
at home, simple and painless
with the enclosed envelope
online after approx. 6-8 weeks