Giovanni Bellini
Giovanni Bellini was known for his ability to work with natural light and his serene style. He was a leading artist in the fifteenth-century Venice, and his work had so much influence that he could be seen as “the founder of the golden age of Venetian painting” (National Gallery of Art). Bellini’s style had become one of its own, and it had inspired many famous artists later such as Titan, Giorgione, Tintoretto, and Veronese. Giovanni was a man of religion, and he had been creating various pieces that contained religious subjects at the beginning of his career. The “Madonna and Child” was once his favorite compositions to paint; however, his interests shifted to history paintings later in his career where he worked with his brother for the doge’s palace. From my point of view, Giovanni Bellini is an extraordinary artist when it comes to naturalism. For example, in the piece The Agony in the Garden, I could see how he had used different perspectives to add a sense of depth into the painting. To be more specific, the main subject in the painting is Jesus but when I look at the painting, I could feel he had created a complete circular composition starting from the Roman soldiers to the sleeping monks, back to Jesus and then the angle up in the sky right above the castle. Overall, Giovanni Bellini was a great artist because he had changed the way on how Venetians painted by applying the new techniques of light and color.
The Virgin and Child
I love the blue sky because it enhances the holy mood of this painting. Also, the child in the painting is not looking at his mother, but he is looking up at the sky. I think that is the factor that has bring uniqueness to this painting
The Blood of the Redeemer
I love this painting because of the body proportions of a young Christ, it had been drawn so perfectly that I can feel like the painting itself is alive. The blue sky in the background really separates the main subject and enhances the mood of the subject, which is idyllic.
The Dead Christ supported by Two Angles
This also one of his paintings that I love. The painting illustrates the death of Christ, but it gives me a peaceful feeling when looking closely at it. If anyone cares to pay attention to the details, they would be able to see that Christ is somewhat smiling. I am not a religious person, nor have been following any religion but I do love the idea that the death of Christ can also mean peace for humanity.
The Agony in The Garden
I love how Giovanni had manipulated the perspectives in this piece. The way he used colors gives me a sense of comfort when I observe it for a long time. One of the most stand out details in this painting is the sleeping figures because I can feel like they are sleeping in peace while Jesus is praying.
The Assassination of Saint Peter Martyr
I am not a fan of this painting because it gives me a feeling that I am seeing a picture from a comic book. Although it does convey the story that Saint Peter Martyr is being killed. However, there are no doubt that this is Giovanni’s painting because of the harmonious of the colors.
Source: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/giovanni-bellini