39 - Giovanni Bellini (Venice, approximately 1430–1516), pupil/circle of

Giovanni Bellini (Venice, approximately 1430–1516), pupil/circle of Madonna Enthroned with the Infant Jesus and the Young Saint John Oil on panel 46.5 x 36.5 cm This work belongs to one of the most important schools in art history: the studio of Giovanni Bellini. It is based on a Bellini prototype, often replicated by various artists in his circle, who substituted the figure of St. John with other characters or a sacred text. Also known as “Giambellino,” Giovanni Bellini is counted among the most celebrated artists of the Renaissance and art history. He worked for a full sixty years, producing an exceptionally prolific series of masterpieces, some of which are still found in Venetian churches or preserved in the world’s most important museums. He was the true pioneer of Venetian Renaissance painting, guiding it away from the old, lingering late-Gothic styles still prevalent in the city. A sublime artist, he had the insight to incorporate certain distinctive traits of other artists, creating an artistic expression that was as delicate as it was complex from an aesthetic standpoint. Fundamental to his development were his relationships with his brother-in-law Andrea Mantegna, who instilled in him a deep love for archaeology and classical art; with Piero della Francesca, for the balanced execution of his paintings; with Antonello da Messina, for his art’s adherence to Flemish canons—that is, his attention to detail; and with Dürer, for his pathos. Limiting ourselves to the Bellini-school painters who certainly had the opportunity to work in the master’s workshop, we note: Vittore Belliniano, Rocco Marconi, Andrea Previtali, Francesco Bissolo, Marco Bello, and Girolamo Santacroce. Giovanni Bellini (Venice, approximately 1430–1516), pupil or member of the circle of Madonna Enthroned with the Infant Jesus and the Young Saint John Oil on panel 46.5 x 36.5 cm This work belongs to one of the most important schools in the history of art, namely the studio of Giovanni Bellini. It is based on a Bellinian prototype, often replicated by various artists in his circle, who would substitute the figure of St. John with other characters or a sacred text.