Giovanni Bellini: Poetry and Nature
Online Seminar, Wednesday Evening, May 4, 4:00-5:30 PM EST (NYC)/10:00-11:30 (Rome)
This online lecture, the third from my Birth of the Baroque series, explores the genius of Giovanni Bellini-- the father of the Venetian Renaissance, and a pioneer in the subtle poetry of visual impression.
The hour and a half class traces Bellini's origins, from the quattrocento influences of his artistic family and brother-in-law, Andrea Mantegna to his early religious tempera works, so full of fervor and reverence; his encounter with the observationally astute Northern Flemish tradition of oil painting, and the evolution of his work into a marriage of Northern naturalism and Italian grace.
The master of Giorgione and Titian, Giovanni Bellini was the first to truly achieve the subtle truth of light and color in paint that so characterized the Venetian school. Bellini's visual insights combined reality and mystery, and brought a sense of religiosity to nature, and a sensuality to the sacred.
This lecture will pay particular attention to the painterly qualities Bellini developed and championed, and will go in depth discussing his masterworks, as well as lesser known treasures, from throughout his career.
** It is possible to sign up for the recording only-- you do not need to attend the live event. Both the lecture recording and slideshow (of around 100 images and notes) will be made available for all participants following the event. **