Giorgione

Born in Castelfranco Veneto in the 1470s, he was nicknamed 'Giorgione' (Big George). He remains one of the most mysterious figures in art history due to his elusive life and poetic works.¹

In 1500, he reportedly met Leonardo da Vinci during the latter's visit to Venice. This encounter likely influenced Giorgione to adopt innovative Tuscan techniques into his own style.¹

Influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, he adopted 'sfumato' to depict light and perspective. His use of delicate color modulations gave his works a celebrated magical glow.¹

From 1507 to 1508, he worked with Titian on the exterior frescoes of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice, marking his prominence as a leading young master of the city.¹

After his death, many of his unfinished works were completed by Titian. Distinguishing between their hands remains a difficult challenge for art historians today.¹

In 'Sleeping Venus,' he innovated by placing a nude within a landscape. This became the prototype for Titian's 'Venus of Urbino' and many other works in the Western tradition.¹

He died of the plague in September 1510 in his thirties. His death was a significant loss to the art world, noted even by prominent patrons like Isabella d'Este.¹