Giovanni Bellini 1st January, 1430 - 26th November, 1516

Bellini was an Italian renaissance painter was born in Venice in 1430. He is widely considered to have revolutionised Venetian painting through the use of clear, slow-drying oil paints which created deep, rich tints and detailed shadings.

His career spanned over 65 years, in which time he mastered the painting of natural light and was commissioned to paint altar pieces in some of the most famous buildings in Venice - including the Doge's Palace.

He continued to paint right up until his death in 1516, and although he was considered the best in Venice by many, he was always eager to learn new skills from his students and younger artists.