The History of Art And The Curious Lives of Famous Painters
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Biography Giorgio Barbarelli da Castelfranco was born in a small town just outside of Venice. From an early age he exhibited extraordinary artistic abilities and was sent to Venice be trained under the legendary Renaissance master Bellini. Giorgio was a striking young man, famous for his handsomeness and strength. He earned the nickname "Giorgione" which means "George the Great" in Italian, for his physical beauty and his painting abilities. Giorgione was a master at using a newly developed painting technique called sfumato or chiaroscuro. This technique imparted a dramatic, almost dreamlike luminosity of light for which his masterpieces are famous. According to art historian and author, Bernhard
Berenson, "Giorgione
created a demand which other painters were forced to supply at the risk
of finding no favor. The older painters accommodated themselves as best
they could. One of them indeed, turning toward the new in a way that is
full of singular charm, gave his later works all the beauty and softness
of the first spring days in Italy. Upon hearing the title of one of
Catena's works in the National Gallery, "A Warrior Adoring the Infant
Christ," who could imagine what a treat the picture itself had in store
for him? It is a fragrant summer landscape enjoyed by a few quiet
people, one of whom, in armor, with the glamour of the Orient about
him, kneels at the Virgin's feet, while a romantic young page holds his
horse's bridle. I mention this picture in particular because it is so
accessible, and so good an instance of the Giorgionesque way of treating
a subject; not for the story, nor for the display of skill, nor for the
obvious feeling, but for the lovely landscape, for the effects of light
and color, and for the sweetness of human relations. Giorgione's
altar-piece at Castelfranco is treated in precisely the same spirit, but
with far more genius. The suggestion of melancholy, perhaps also longing, is a strong theatrical element in almost all of his work. Giorgione's Pastoral Symphony, circa 1508, is one of the greatest masterpieces of the High Renaissance. The artist died of plague at the height of his fame in 1510.
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About The High Renaissance Period Artists of the Renaissance were elevated in social standing and their art was no longer looked upon as simple handicrafts, but as divinely inspired creations. The spirit of an era awoke, revitalized with knowledge and creativity. The Venetians as a school were from the first endowed with exquisite tact in their use of color. Seldom cold and rarely too warm, their coloring never seems an afterthought, as in many of the Florentine painters, nor is it always suggesting paint, as in some of the Veronese masters. When the eye has grown accustomed to make allowance for the darkening caused by time, for the dirt that lies in layers on so many pictures, and for unsuccessful attempts at restoration, the better Venetian paintings present such harmony of intention and execution as distinguishes the highest achievements of genuine poets. Their mastery over colour is the first thing that attracts most people to the painters of Venice. Their coloring not only gives direct pleasure to the eye, but acts like music upon the moods, stimulating thought and memory in much the same way as a work by a great composer. ."
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Key Descriptive Words and Phrases associated with the Renaissance Movement - rebirth, rediscovery of the classical world, publication of Della Pittura, a book about the laws of mathematical perspective for artists, sfumato, chiaroscuro, spiritually significant, illuminated manuscript, idealized biblical themes, scriptorium, illuminator, plague, Age of Discovery, curiosity about the natural world, realistic use of colours and light, Old Testament stories, ethereal and foggy backgrounds, Gospel parables, romanticized landscapes, Christian symbolism. Require more facts and information about Giorgione and the artists of the renaissance era? Poke around every nook and cranny of the known universe for information this subject. Search Here © HistoryofPainters.com If you like this page and wish to share it, you are welcome to link to it, with our thanks. If you feel you have worthwhile information you would like to contribute we would love to hear from you. We collect essential biographical information and artist quotes from folks all over the globe and appreciate your participation. When submitting please, if possible, site the source and provide English translation. Email to millardmulch@gmail.com |
