A lecture on the influence of Caravaggio was well-received by Sidmouth art enthusiasts.

Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe delivered the lecture to The Arts Society Sidmouth, outlining the artist's influence on others and detailing his unique style.

Around 160 members and guests gathered at the Manor Pavilion to hear Ms Brotherton-Ratcliffe discuss Caravaggio's life and works.

The artist, who died at the young age of 38, was known for his 'near microscopic attention to detail' and ability to create "hyper-realistic scenes".

His dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, added a theatrical quality to his paintings, focusing on the most important elements of the scene.

Caravaggio's approach to realism, with its "naturalistic, harrowing, brutal simplicity", set him apart from his contemporaries.

Despite falling out of fashion for a time, Caravaggio's reputation was eventually revived, and he continued to influence artists long after his death.

The lecture also speculated on the potential achievements of Caravaggio had he lived longer.

The next lecture at The Manor Pavilion is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, at 10.40am.

The topic will delve into "great operatic rivalries and the handbags at dawn that resulted from them".

The Sidmouth Arts Society encourages the public to discover more about their future events at sidarts.org.uk or by emailing sidmouth@theartssociety.org.