Venetian school (art)

San Zaccaria Altarpiece, 1505; oil on canvas, transferred from panel; San Zaccaria, Venice.

From the later part of the 15th century, Venice had a distinctive, thriving and influential art scene. Beginning with the work of Giorgione (c. 1477–1510), and the workshop of Giovanni Bellini (c. 1430–1516), major artists of the Venetian school included Titian (1489–1576), Tintoretto (1518–1594), Veronese (1528–1588) and the Bassano (1510–1592). Considered to bring a primacy of color over line, this tradition was seen to contrast with the Mannerism then prevalent in the rest of Italy, and the Venetian style is viewed as having had a great influence on the subsequent development of painting.

Early development

During the early 15th century, Venetian art was dominated by the earlier styles arising from its Byzantine links, as exemplified by the work of the Vivarini family. From the late 15th century Venetian painting developed through links with Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506) (from nearby Padua) and of a visit by Antonello da Messina (c. 1430–1479), who introduced the oil painting technique of Early Netherlandish painting, probably acquired through his training in Naples. Another external factor was the visit by Leonardo da Vinci, who was particularly influential on Giorgione.

During his long career, Bellini has been credited with creating the Venetian style. From his earlier works, such as his Madonna of the Trees (c. 1487) which largely reflect the linear approach of Mantegna, he later developed a softer style, where glowing colours are used to represent form and suggest an atmospheric haze. Applying this approach in his San Zaccaria Altarpiece (1505), the high viewpoint, the uncluttered and interconnected figures arranged in space, and the subtle gestures all combine to form a tranquil yet majestic image. With such works he has been described as reaching the High Renaissance ideals, and certainly expresses the key distinctive factors of the Venetian school.

Later developments

It is typified by a warm colour scale and a picturesque use of colour. Among the leading early masters was the Bellini families, followed by Giorgione and Titian, then Tintoretto and Veronese. But these are merely a few of the most outstanding in a great number of artists in the Venetian tradition, many originally from outside the Republic's territory.

Legacy

The Venetian school had a great influence of subsequent painting, and the history of later Western art has been described as a dialogue between the more intellectual and sculptural/linear approach of the Florentine and Roman traditions, and the more sensual, poetic, and pleasure-seeking of the colourful Venetian school. Specifically through the presence of Titian in Spain, the Venetian style influenced later Spanish art, including that of Velázquez, and through Rubens was more broadly transmitted through the rest of Europe.

Although not considered part of the Venetian school, it provided the backdrop to 18th century Venetian painting, which had a final flowering in Tiepolo's decorative painting and Canaletto's and Guardi's panoramic views. The extinction of the Republic by French Revolutionary armies in 1797 effectively brought the distinctive Venetian style to an end; it had at least arguably outlasted its rival Florence in that respect.

See also

• List of painters and architects of Venice

References and sources

References

Sources

• Gardner's: Art Through The Ages - International Edition, Brace Harcourt Jovanovich, 9th edition 1991.
• The Prado Guide, Ed. Maria Dolores Jimenez-Blanco, Museo National Del Prado, English 2nd revised edition, 2009.

Further reading

• Steer, John (1970). Venetian painting: A concise history. London: Thames and Hudson. ISBN 0500201013