The dramatic realism of Caravaggios art has fascinated viewers since the seventeenth century. Yet no prior monograph presents the thorough investigation of Caravaggios realism ventured in John Varrianos remarkable book. Forgoing the life and works format of most earlier monographs, Varriano concentrates on uncovering the principles and practicesthe intellect and the imaginationthat guided Caravaggios eye and brush as he made some of the most controversial paintings in the history of art.