Giovanni Bellini Gallery
“His first works…” writes Vasari of Giovanni Bellini, “… were certain portraits, which met with great praise, in particular one which depicts Doge Leonardo Loredan”. This picture was painted in 1501, when the Doge (who was proud of his Roman descent) took office, or shortly thereafter. It can indeed be considered one of the greatest achievements of Venetian painting, and not just in the field of portraiture. Tutto spirito (all intellect) was the verdict passed on it even by contemporaries. "Thin, tall of stature, of no great fortune, choleric, but as a ruler clever and wise”, was how Leonardo Loredan (1438-1521) was described by one contemporary. He was Doge until 1521, and in the 12 or so years following the painting of this portrait, he was to guide the Republic through the War of Encirclement waged by the League of Cambrai.
viewer |
|
|
| Altarpiece |
| Piazza San Marco |
Leonardo Loredan |
| Feast of the Gods |
| Fortitude |
| Joerg Fugger |
| Virgin and Child |
Biography
Bulletin Board
Renowned Art
(home)
Giovanni Bellini was a Venetian painter. His focus was on religious subjects. His most important contribution to art lay in his experimentation with the use of color and atmosphere in oil painting. Through the use of clear, slow-drying oil paints, Giovanni created deep, rich colors and detailed shadings. His sumptuous coloring and fluent, atmospheric landscapes had a great effect on Venetian painting school. When he died, he was chief painter to the state of Venice.
all artists, with thumbnails: by birth year | alphabetically
all artists: by birth year | alphabetically
artists born in the 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th century