Lorenzo Lotto was born in Venice, Italy in 1480 and was a painter during the High Renaissance. Little is known about his early life and training but it is suggested that he was influenced by Giovani Bellini and was taught under the Venitian school. In 1509, he moved to Rome and was influenced by Raphael’s painting in the Vatican and later in 1526, he was also inspired by Titian. Lotto was seen as a respected painter among other artists and even by the Papal Court. He would wander to other cities as he was poor and would continue to do art until his death 1556/57. Lotto’s art style had a sense of individualism that was separate from the Venetian school. His paintings have a very melancholy and at times majestic tone to it, but his realism makes the figures very lifelike and makes a convincing case of showing emotion. His famous works include Portrait of a Young Man(1526), Madonna and the Rosary(1539), St. Nicholas in Glory(1529), and Venetian Art Dealer(1527). Lotto is often neglected as he was overshadowed by other artists such as Titian, but despite this, he would become a famous painter of the Renaissance and art historians would eventually exhibit his work. To me, Lotto’s work is incredible mainly due to the fact of how realistic they look but also at times feel like a fantasy thanks to the composition and how the figures are placed. His individuality and influence from other artists certainly show. Everything from the shading, detail, and emotion look very convincing and it is disappointing to see that such a great artist would get overlooked.

Santa Maria dei Carmini (Venice) - Saint Nicholas in Glory with Saints John the Baptist and Lucy by Lorenzo Lotto.jpg