Paolo Veronese Self-researched
Born: 1528, Verona Died: 1588, Venice Source: self-research
Italian Renaissance painter based in Venice, known for extremely large history paintings of religion and mythology. With Titian and Tintoretto, Veronese is one of the "great trio that dominated Venetian painting of the cinquecento." Known as a supreme colorist who developed a naturalist style influenced by Titian.
Artworks
Juno Showering Gifts on Venice Self-researched
Located in the Council of Ten Room, this ceiling painting shows the goddess Juno bestowing gifts upon the personification of Venice, symbolizing the city's prosperity and divine favor.
Music (La Musica) Self-researched
Depicts beautiful young women playing string instruments—viola da gamba, lute, and harpsichord—with a third woman singing and Cupid shown under a marble statue of a faun. This work was judged the best tondo in the ceiling and earned Veronese a prize of a gold chain, as judged by Titian and Sansovino.
Honour (L'Onore) Self-researched
One of three ceiling tondi by Veronese in the library's main hall, depicting an enthroned male figure (Honour) being adored by the Virtues. Part of a decorative programme of 21 ceiling paintings selected by Sansovino and Titian.
Arithmetic and Geometry Self-researched
One of Veronese's three ceiling tondi in the library, depicting allegorical figures representing Arithmetic and Geometry. The paintings were commissioned as part of the library's elaborate ceiling decoration.
Plato Self-researched
One of a pair of philosopher portraits by Veronese flanking the entrance portal in the main hall. The side walls feature canvases by various artists representing the Philosophers.
Aristotle Self-researched
The companion piece to Plato, positioned on the opposite side of the entrance portal. Part of the philosopher portrait series decorating the library walls.
The Feast in the House of Levi Self-researched
One of the largest canvases of the 16th century (555 x 1,309 cm). Originally painted as a Last Supper for a Dominican friary, Veronese's irreverent interpretation led to an investigation by the Inquisition. Rather than make changes, he simply renamed the painting. A masterpiece of Venetian colorism.
The Rape of Europa Self-researched
Located in the Sala dell'Anticollegio, this mythological painting depicts the abduction of Europa by Zeus in the form of a white bull. It hangs alongside Tintoretto's allegories.
Apotheosis of Venice Self-researched
A ceiling painting in the Chamber of the Great Council celebrating Venice personified, surrounded by allegorical figures representing Peace, Justice, and Fame. A masterpiece of illusionistic ceiling painting.