Jacopo Negretti Paintings

Jacopo Negretti, better known as Palma Vecchio or Palma il Vecchio, was an Italian painter of the Venetian school who was born in Serina Alta near Bergamo, Lombardy, around 1480. His exact birth date is not documented, but he is believed to have been an elder contemporary of Titian. Palma Vecchio's early life is shrouded in mystery, and little is known about his training. It is speculated that he may have been a pupil of Giovanni Bellini, as his early works show a strong influence of Bellini's style, characterized by rich color and a tender use of light.

Palma Vecchio is recognized for his serene and sensuous works, which often depicted religious themes as well as mythological and allegorical subjects. His paintings are noted for their vibrant colors and the gentle, almost lyrical, treatment of figures. He was particularly adept at painting the female form, imbuing his female subjects with a sense of warmth and dignity. His most famous works include the altarpieces 'Santa Barbara' and the 'Adoration of the Shepherds', as well as his pastoral landscapes and sensuous half-length images of the 'Three Sisters', which showcase his skill in rendering the textures of fabrics and the subtleties of the human complexion.

Later in his career, Palma Vecchio's style became more influenced by the work of Giorgione and Titian, with whom he was closely associated in Venice. This is evident in his later works, which exhibit a greater degree of chiaroscuro and a more robust handling of form. Despite his close association with these masters, Palma Vecchio maintained a distinctive approach, particularly in his treatment of landscape and color.

Palma Vecchio died in Venice in 1528, leaving behind a significant body of work that influenced subsequent generations of Venetian painters. Unfortunately, many of his works have been lost or are only known through copies, but those that survive demonstrate his mastery of the Venetian colorito (coloring) technique and his ability to convey human emotion through gentle expressions and harmonious compositions. His legacy is preserved in some of the most prestigious museums and collections around the world.