Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-09-18
TIFToRETTo,

l.
was born at Venice, at the commencement
OF the sixteenth century, the eliminating
point OF the arts in Italy. Born in an
humble station, the son of dyer whence
he derived his surname of "Tintoretto W,
ne very early gave proofs of his true voca-
ton,
His parents, being struck by his appa-
rent talent, placed him in the studio of
Titan. He had not been there many days
when his master, returning suddenly, re-
marked several sketches recently drawn on
a board. Having considered them atten.
lively, Titan asked who was their author :;
and Tintoretto, fearing reprimand, named
himself. For probably the only time, this
great painter put to the blush his we'll
earned reputation for generosity. Fear
ing, perhaps, future rival in his preco.
cious pupil, he at once dismissed him, with.
out assigning any reason for so strang1
proceeding.
This unkind action. which would have
broken less firm spirit than that of Tin.
toretto, only caused him to redouble his
application. His vivid imagination con-
ceived the design of becoming the chief of
new school of art. He, therefore, estab-
lished himself in a room, miserable from
its extreme poverty, and there labored in.
cessantly, taking for his guide the artist
who had treated him so severely.
To close study of Titian's works he
soon added that of the productions of
antiquity and the sculptures of Michael
Angelo; and, being persuaded that thor
ough knowledge of anatomy was the
foundation of all good painting, he studied
that science In the dissecting.r rooms of his
native city. In spite of the impetuosity
of his character, he neglected nothing
which could increase his knowledge of his
art; and, with the greatest pains, made
models of wax, which he modelled in all
kinds of positions, aud studied from every
point Of view. He only broke off his
solitary studies in order to share, without
any reward, in the lsbors of other painters.
His sole aim was to acquire facility of exc.
cution, and he was at the summit of happi-
ness when painters of reputation accepted
his assistance in the composition of their
works.
Having by these means acquired a thor
ough knowledge of painting, Tintoretto
sought for an occasion for the employment
of his talent. At that time Venice was
filled with distinguished artists, whose
works were eagerly sought after. In or.
der to gain an opening, he conceived the
idea OF Offering his services simply for the
cost OF the materials used, and to this, as
we may imagine, he found no difficulty in
inducing customers to agree but he raised
against himself storm under which less
courageous spirit would have failed The
greater part of his brother.artists became
his enemies. The contest was long, but in
the end Tintoretto was victorious. Being
gifted with ease OF execution as well as
a wonderfully liveliness of imagination, he
composed vast number of works.
The following anecdote will give good
idea of his rapidity, as well as of the
eddity of his character The brethren of
st. Rogue, wishing to paint the reception.
hall of their convent, called meeting of
the most celebrated painters in Venice,
among whom was Tintoretto. Whilst
bis rivals were occupied with their compc.
sitions, Tintoretto, having secretly OBJ
tanned the dimensions of the space re.
quired to be filled, executed painting
representing st. Rogue received in heaven,
surrounced by angels bearing the emblems
of his pilgrimage. The painting being
finished, he contrived to fix it in its place
unknown to the brethren.
On the appointed day, the most eminent
of the rivals assembled with their paint.
ings but, when they called on Tintoretto
to produce his composition, he replied by
uncovering the painting, saying that, even
if he did not bear the palm, he should
think himself happy in having offered his
tribute to the saint.
The painters had no sooner seen the pro-
duction of their rival than they confessed
no haaf he
contest. The monks were at first a little
annoyed at the trick played by Tintoretto,
but they gave Judgment in favor Of the
only permitted the painting to remain in
ment with Tintoretto, by which, for an an
pual pension, he engaged to complete the
decoration of the convent.
The paintings which are usually eansid.
cred the masterpieces of Tintoretto were
Lepanto." The latter work, notwithstand-
ing its great size and the number of figures
introduced upon the canvas, was finished
by the artist in less than year. Amongst
the most illnstrious patrons OF Tintoresto
may be mentioned Henry Ill, whose por.
trait he painted while at Venice, and the
Duke of Mantua, for whom be executed
paintings. Owing to his rapiiity of exc.
cution, ths style of Tintoretio was very
unequal, and he employed by turns, and
with the greatest Indifference, tn. winch
the venitians criticised e i1s pencils of
gold, silver and iror,
In ENTHUSIASM and unselfishness Unto
retto was probably without q rival. Pre-.
ferrina glory to the pleasure iof amaseing
weals he lived only for the exercise OF
his ark. He never quilted Yer ice, and ex-
pi there at the age Of ninety years, hav.
ir enjoyed the friendship of sn the celeb.
rbl Is Of that refined city