Venice, Italy

The Republic of Venice was a major financial and maritime power during the
Middle Ages and Renaissance, and a staging area for the Crusades and the Battle
of Lepanto, as well as a very important centre of commerce (especially silk, grain,
and spice) and art in the 13th century up to the end of the 17th century.

Bellini was one of the most

influential Venetian artists. He
lived and worked in Venice all his
life; his career spanned 65 years.
He is celebrated for his
pioneering portrayal of natural
light, seen in such works as 'The
Agony in the Garden', for his
tender and graceful pictures of
the Virgin and for his altarpieces.