Jacopo Tintoretto (1518–1594), also known as Jacopo Robusti, was an Italian painter and a significant figure of the Renaissance, particularly in Venice. Born in Venice, Tintoretto earned the moniker “Il Furioso” because of the dramatic energy he infused into his works.
Tintoretto’s style was unique. While he was undoubtedly influenced by the prevailing Venetian love for rich colors (as seen in the works of Titian), he also adopted the robust forms and spatial complexities from Mannerism, and the dynamic compositions that would later inspire Baroque artists. His works are characterized by their muscular figures, dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), and a sense of movement.
He was heavily inspired by Michelangelo’s monumental figures and drew from his knowledge to imbue his paintings with a sculptural quality. But Tintoretto’s approach was distinct in its combination of this sculptural form with the luminous color palette characteristic of the Venetian school.
Artists like El Greco can be seen as successors to Tintoretto’s style, especially in terms of their shared fondness for elongated figures and dramatic intensity.
Tintoretto’s vast output includes religious narratives, portraits, and mythological subjects. Some of his masterpieces can be found in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice. Throughout his career, Tintoretto’s adventurous approach to painting made him a pivotal figure in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque era.
Useful Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tintoretto
https://www.wikiart.org/en/tintoretto
