Tintoretto, << tihn tuh REHT oh >> (1518-1594) was a Venetian painter during the late Italian Renaissance. He became a leading artist of the period for the churches and wealthy families of Venice.
Tintoretto created works noted for their dramatic action. His paintings show the influence of the rich colors that were used by Titian and the vigorous, muscular forms drawn by Michelangelo. Tintoretto achieved a unique style through exaggeration. He sometimes distorted the proportions of his figures for dramatic effect. The figures move energetically through deep space and changing light.
Tintoretto planned his compositions by placing wax or clay figures in a box–like actors on the stage of a theater–and using candles for lighting effects. He studied these arrangements and drew sketches before beginning to paint. The theatrical character of Tintoretto’s paintings can be seen in one of his most famous works, The Last Supper (1592-1594). The figures bend, gesture, and turn. Tintoretto achieved dramatic contrast by spotlighting some forms with intense color and painting others in softer tones and shadows.
Tintoretto’s real name was Jacopo Robusti. He was nicknamed Il Tintoretto, which means the little dyer, because his father was a dyer. Scholars believe Tintoretto taught himself to paint. He opened his first studio at the age of 21. He died on May 31, 1594.
