Giovanni Bellini was born in Venice, Italy around 1430. He was the son of Jacopo Bellini, an esteemed painter of the time, and probably began his career together with his brother as an assistant in his father's workshop business. Although his works were influenced by many of his friends and relatives, Giovanni possessed certain qualities in his compositions that set him apart from others. He blended the styles of his father and his brother-in-law, Andrea Mantegna, with his subtle appreciation of color and light, the high regard he held for the details of the natural landscape, along with the very direct human empathy he placed in him . his painting. These components of Bellini's personal style became fundamental to the character of all Venetian Renaissance art. Bellini later developed a sensual coloristic style in his work which became another characteristic with which he contributed to Venetian Renaissance art. Giovanni used tempera as a medium in his early paintings, but later switched to using oil paints instead. He has always been a painter of natural light, even across different mediums. When he made the switch, he brought both greater maturity and an individual style to Bellini's work. As his career continued, Bellini became known for his landscapes and naturalistic depiction of light. Giovanni founded the Venetian school of painting and lived to see his students succeed and even some of them become more famous than himself. His life ended in Venice in 1516, but his contribution to Renaissance art would live on forever. Bellini brought a new level of realism and nature to art, innovative subjects and a new sensuality in both form and color. Giovanni's personal attitudes and styles predetermined the special nature of Venice...... middle of paper ......at the Gallery of Art. Galleria Nazionale d'Arte. Network. March 28, 2011. This source provided information on elements of Bellini's "Feast of the Gods." This information was used in the job analysis. Turner, Jane. "Bellini, Giovanni." The dictionary of art. vol. 3. New York: Grove, 1996. 657-68. Press. This book has provided a wealth of knowledge and information on everything related to the artist Giovanni Bellini. The information was extremely detailed and was used to write both the biography and analyses. The Venetian Renaissance: The Feast of the Gods by Giovanni Bellini and Titian. Perf. Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Stephen Zucker. Smarthistory.org. Intelligent story. Network. March 28, 2011. This video was very informative in providing expert opinions on Bellini's painting, "Feast of the Gods." This source has been used to provide professional criticism on this painting.