Giovanni Bellini (Italian, c. 1430/1435–1516) was a foundational figure of the Venetian Renaissance, renowned for his luminous color palette, serene compositions, and spiritual depth. Born into a family of painters, Bellini forged a distinct path that fused Byzantine influences with the emergent humanism of the Italian Renaissance. His devotional works - altarpieces, Madonnas, and pietàs - ushered in a new era of atmospheric perspective and naturalistic emotion, setting the stage for artists like Giorgione and Titian.
Bellini was a master of oil painting at a time when it was just gaining prominence in Italy. His innovative use of light and landscape imbued sacred scenes with a profound, contemplative realism. Over a long and prolific career, he served as a painter to the Venetian Republic and mentor to some of the most significant artists of the High Renaissance.
