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Paris BordoneItalian artist of the Venetian school
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Life and Career
- Influence of Titian and Giorgione
- Court Painter and Travels
- Portraits and Allegorical Works
- Lost and Preserved Works
- Notable Collections
- Chronology and Influence
Life and Career
Paris Bordone was an Italian painter of the Venetian school and a prominent exponent of Mannerism. He joined Titian's bottega (workshop) in 1516 and remained there until 1518. According to Giorgio Vasari, the primary source of information about Bordone, he did not spend many years with Titian, preferring instead to imitate the style of Giorgione.
Influence of Titian and Giorgione
Bordone's influence from Giorgione primarily came through Titian, whose manner he absorbed so well that some of his paintings were long mistaken for Titian's works, such as "The Baptism of Christ" in the Capitol Gallery. However, Bordone's style is more Mannerist than his master's, characterized by warmer colors, elaborate drapery, and figures in slightly unnatural poses.
Court Painter and Travels
In 1538, Bordone entered the service of King Francis I in Fontainebleau, where he painted portraits of the king and his court. No trace of these works has been found in French collections, except for two paintings in the Louvre that are later acquisitions. Lavishly rewarded, he traveled to Augsburg in 1540 to decorate the Fugger Palace (the decorations have not survived). He then returned to Venice, where he died on January 19, 1570. Bordone also worked in Treviso, Vicenza, Cremona, Genoa, and Turin.
Portraits and Allegorical Works
Bordone's numerous portraits, particularly his depictions of women, are renowned for their opulence and vibrant colors, often depicting courtesans. His portraits gained intimacy and depth after interacting with Lorenzo Lotto in the 1540s. Bordone's large-scale historical paintings, while less graceful, demonstrate his skill. He also produced religious and allegorical subjects.
Lost and Preserved Works
Bordone created many important fresco cycles in Venice, Treviso, and Vicenza, but none have survived. His most significant preserved historical work is "The Presentation of the Ring to Doge Venice" (The Miracle of the Ring) in the Venetian Academy, showcasing his typical bright colors, heavy Titianesque figures, and architectural motifs inspired by Sebastiano Serlio.
Notable Collections
Major works by Bordone can be found in prestigious collections worldwide, including the National Gallery in London ("Daphnis and Chloe" and a portrait of a woman), Bridgewater House ("The Holy Family"), the Tadini Collection in Lovere ("Madonna"), and the Duomo in Treviso.
Chronology and Influence
Determining the chronology of Bordone's works is challenging, as he often reused sketches for different compositions created for various destinations over many years. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, with his style influencing later artists such as El Greco and Tintoretto.
