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Paolo Veronese
(1528–88)

Other names: Paolo Caliari

Biographical

Veronese was a central figure in the artistic and cultural landscape of Venice throughout his life. From a young age, he showed a distinct talent for painting, which led him to abandon his father's trade as a stonecutter and pursue a career as an artist. He was soon apprenticed to the painter Antonio Badile, and Veronese eventually married Badile's daughter, Elena. He first became linked to Venice in 1553 through a long commission to decorate the Palazzo Ducale and the church of San Sebastiano in 1556. By 1555, he had begun to call himself Paolo Caliari, his mother's surname, the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman. He soon began to foster important relationships with rich patrons and influential figures who would support his work throughout his career. His success was not merely due to his artistic talent but also his ability to navigate the complex social and political environment of Venice, where he settled. Veronese was known for his charisma, wit, and confidence, which made him a popular figure both in the artistic community and among the city's elite. His paintings, with their vibrant colours and intricate compositions, gained him a reputation as one of the leading artists of his time, but it was his personality that truly solidified his place in Venetian society. His social skills, combined with a sharp intellect, allowed him to secure some of the most prestigious commissions in the city. His involvement in Venice’s cultural scene extended beyond his work as a painter; he was deeply embedded in the city’s social fabric, which was intricately tied to its political and economic life. Despite his success, he was not without controversy. His defence of artistic freedom in the face of the Inquisition’s objections to his portrayal of religious scenes demonstrated his commitment to his craft and his willingness to challenge authority when necessary. This incident, however, only further elevated his status as a champion of artistic expression. Later in life, Veronese’s reputation continued to grow, and he became one of the most respected figures in Venetian art. His influence stretched beyond his own lifetime, inspiring not only his contemporaries but also future generations of artists who looked to him for inspiration in both technique and artistic philosophy. He established a workshop in which his brother Benedetto worked, as well as his own two sons, Carlo and Gabriele, and his nephew Alvise dal Friso. At his death from a fever, his work at the Palazzo Ducale was completed by his sons.

Place of birth: Verona
Place of marriage: Verona
Place of death: Venice
Place of burial: Church of San Sebastiano, Venice

Son of Gabriele di Piero and Caterina Caliari, he married Elena Badile in 1566, and had issue.