The art historian takes a look at the life and work of Italian Renaissance painter Caravaggio. Born in 1571, he caused ructions with his rejection of classical style, calling for a new naturalism to be brought to great works of art, but his life was marred by his own unpredictable behaviour which eventually forced him to go into exile to avoid prison. Works including The Calling of St Matthew and The Martyrdom of St Matthew are examined, revealing what gives the pieces their power and the influences affecting Caravaggio as he created them.