Caravaggio was the famous artist who created masterpieces during the Baroque period, known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, a technique called chiaroscuro. His realistic depiction of human figures and emotions revolutionized painting, moving away from the idealism of the Renaissance. Caravaggio's works often portrayed Biblical and mythological themes, characterized by intense realism and psychological depth. His innovations influenced many artists of his time and left a lasting legacy on the art world, impacting the evolution of Western art throughout the Baroque and beyond.