Jacopo Robusti Tintoretto Giclée Art Prints Gallery 1 of 5

Jacopo Robusti, commonly known by his nickname Tintoretto, was born in Venice around 1518. Among other accomplishments, he became one of the foremost Italian Mannerist painters during the 16th century as well as being an integral figure in Venetian painting. His name "Tintoretto," meaning "little dyer," came from his father being employed as a dyer (tintore).

Tintoretto began his artistic training under renowned painter Titian, but this training was abruptly cut short due to an alleged disagreement between them. Titian had an influence on Tintoretto's early works but soon developed his own distinct and dramatic style, distinguished by bold perspective use and depicting figures in complex spatial environments.

Tintoretto's works are known for their dramatic lighting and vigorous figures. He was one of the pioneers in using chiaroscuro, an effect created through using light/dark contrasts to give an illusion of volume. Some of Tintoretto's best known works are "The Miracle of the Slave" (1548), "The Last Supper" (1592-1594) as well as his series of paintings at Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice.

Tintoretto was not only known for his painting skills, but was also an accomplished draftsman. His drawings exhibit rapid sketch-like qualities that reflected his desire to capture movement and emotion as they transpired quickly in life.

Tintoretto was an immensely prolific artist who produced numerous works throughout his career. Yet despite this success, he maintained an austere lifestyle and dedicated himself completely to his craft - so much so that his contemporaries dubbed him Il Furioso for his speed of working at times!

Tintoretto had a profound influence on the development of Baroque painting, inspiring artists like Peter Paul Rubens and Rembrandt. His dynamic compositions and dramatic use of light and shadow had an immense effect on Western painting's evolution.

Tintoretto died on May 31, 1594, in Venice. His work continues to be recognized for its energy, drama and boldness - his innovative use of perspective and light cements his place as one of the key figures in Western art history.