The Bellini (bel-lee´-nee) family was a very artistic one. Not only
Giovanni, but his brother Gentile as well, became a famous artist, and
their father was a painter of note. Not to be outdone by the other
members of the family, their only sister Andrea married Mantegna, the
great Paduan master. Under such circumstances it is unlikely that the
boy Giovanni had to overcome any parental opposition to his becoming
an artist. Art must have been a part of the daily life of the entire
family. At first he doubtless studied under his father's direction; but
his early work shows that he was much influenced by his brother-in-law
as well.
Although the two brothers, Giovanni and Gentile, worked independently,
they both won distinction and were highly esteemed by the Venetians.
They were commissioned to paint a series of large canvases for the
Ducal Palace; but these works have since been destroyed by two fires
which greatly damaged that wonderful building,--the first in 1479 and
the second in 1577.
Although no longer a young man when the invention of oil painting was
first brought to Venice, instead of adhering to the old traditions he
set about mastering the new medium. And he succeeded too. Pupils came
to him to be taught the new practice; among them Titian and Giorgione.
His studio was the very dwelling place of the Genius of Painting, and
from his workshop went out many of the men to whom Venetian painting
owes its fame.
Painters from far and near came to visit him. Among them was Albrecht
Dürer, the German master, whom Bellini received very cordially. "He is
very old," wrote Dürer, "but still the best in painting." There was a
waiting list of nobles who wanted him to paint their portraits.
Fine in color, and accurate in drawing to the last, he seems not to
have degenerated. He must have been a man of great force and talent.
He lived to be ninety years old. He was laid to rest beside his
brother, in San Giovanni e Paolo, the Westminster Abbey of Venice.
[Illustration: ANGEL WITH LUTE (DETAIL OF PRESENTATION), BY CARPACCIO]
_Vittore Carpaccio_