Giovanni Bellini

Giovanni Bellini's paintings give natural light and carefully related colors an important role in the presentation of sacred figures. His Madonnas and altarpieces use measured gestures and balanced groups to shape the relationship between the Virgin, Christ, and the saints. The Agony in the Garden makes the changing light of a landscape part of its biblical setting. Saint Francis in the Desert places the solitary saint within a closely observed world of rock, plants, and distant settlement. His portraits bring similar care to individual faces, clothing, and posture within the social setting of Renaissance Venice. Doge Leonardo Loredan shows the city's ruler in ceremonial white silk robes woven with gold and silver thread, set against blue. Subtle shading in the face and the carefully described fabric bring an official costume into a closely observed painted likeness.