The National Gallery, UK will exhibit 50 works by 16th-century Italian Renaissance painter Paolo Veronese starting from the 19th, some of which are borrowed from abroad and are being exhibited in the UK for the first time.
Paolo Veronese, originally named Paolo Caliari, was born in 1528 in the ancient Italian city of Verona, which is how he got the name "Veronese." He began painting at a young age, moved to Venice at the age of 25, and settled there until his death in 1588. Veronese's works often depict historical and religious themes, characterized by luxurious scenes, numerous figures, and vibrant colors, excelling in the use of color to express light. He studied under Titian and later established his own style, being recognized alongside Titian and Tintoretto as one of the three masters of the Venetian school during the Renaissance.
Titled "Veronese: The Splendor of Renaissance Venice," this three-month exhibition will showcase works from various stages of Veronese's painting career, including portraits, altarpieces, and decorative paintings. Some of the exhibited pieces are borrowed from Austria, France, Spain, the United States, and Italy, including "The Martyrdom of Saint George" created in 1565, and "The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine" created between 1565 and 1570. Both paintings are making their debut in the UK.
Xavier Salomon, the exhibition curator, stated: "If I had to choose Veronese's finest work, I would definitely select 'The Martyrdom of Saint George.' When I began preparing for the exhibition, this painting became my first choice. It was taken to Paris by Napoleon's army and only returned to Verona after the Battle of Waterloo."
Salomon remarked: "From 'The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine,' viewers can find everything they want to know about European painting, whether it be outstanding composition or the almost perfect skin tones of the figures."
Salomon noted that all 50 exhibited works reflect Veronese's versatility as an artist.
The exhibition will run until June 15.
