Giovanni Bellini

Giovanni Bellini (Italian pronunciation: [dʒoˈvanni belˈliːni]; approximately 1430 - November 29, 1516) was an Italian Renaissance painter of the Venetian School. He was raised in the home of Jacopo Bellini, who was considered his father; however, their kinship was later questioned in studies. Gentile Bellini is his elder brother. Andrea Mantegna was his sister's husband. Giovanni Bellini is considered an innovator in Venetian painting, leading the Venetian School towards a more sensual, colorful style. Bellini used clear, slow-drying oil paints to create rich, deep tones and delicate variations of light and dark. His gorgeous use of color and fluid, atmospheric landscapes had a profound influence on the Venetian School, especially on his students Giorgione and Titian. He is also the name behind the Bellini cocktail.