Palma Vecchio

Born around 1480 near Bergamo as Jacopo Negretti, he is known as Palma Vecchio (the Elder) to distinguish him from his painter great-nephew. He was a leading figure of the Venetian High Renaissance.¹

Initially influenced by Giovanni Bellini, he later followed the new styles of Giorgione and Titian. After their deaths, he became the most sought-after painter in Venice after Titian.¹

From 1515 into the 1520s, he absorbed Central Italian influences, including poses from Michelangelo, blending Venetian color with Central Italian formal dignity.¹

In his mature period of the 1520s, he mastered contrapposto and a high-keyed palette, establishing a High Renaissance style characterized by dignified human types and conservative compositions.¹

Upon his sudden death at age 47 in 1528, Titian completed an unfinished 'sacra conversazione' by Palma, demonstrating the close relationship between the leading Venetian masters.¹