How did Caravaggio's style influence later artists, including the Baroque movement?

Caravaggio's influence on later artists and the Baroque movement stemmed largely from his innovative techniques and stylistic choices, particularly his realistic portrayal of human emotion and masterful use of chiaroscuro. By emphasizing naturalism and the raw, often intense emotional states of his subjects, Caravaggio broke away from the idealized representations of figures that characterized much of the art prior to his work.

His dramatic contrasts between light and shadow, achieved through chiaroscuro, created a sense of depth and three-dimensionality that was unprecedented. This technique not only added a theatrical quality to his paintings but also became a hallmark of Baroque art, influencing countless artists who sought to capture the complexities of human experiences and feelings. This realistic approach made art more relatable and engaging to the viewer, aligning perfectly with the Baroque movement's emphasis on dynamism and the vivid portrayal of life.

The other options suggest influences that do not align with Caravaggio’s contributions. Impressionism's focus on light and color, Cubism's geometric abstraction, and Neoclassicism's emphasis on classical themes are distinct movements that diverged from the emotional realism and dramatic lighting that Caravaggio epitomized. In this context, the answer highlighting his impact on the Bar