Jacopo Tintoretto - Christ Washing the Feet of His Disciples (detail) - WGA22430

Tintoretto, also known as Jacopo Comin, was an Italian painter of the Venetian School during the Renaissance. He was born in Venice in 1518 and died in 1594. Tintoretto's style was characterised by his use of dramatic lighting, strong colours and dynamic compositions. He was known for his large-scale paintings, including religious scenes, portraits and mythological subjects. Some of his most famous works include The Last Supper, The Miracle of the Slave and The Paradise. Tintoretto was a prolific artist and his work had a significant influence on the development of Baroque painting. The son of a cloth dyer, Tintoretto was initially trained in his father's trade. However, he soon showed a talent for painting and began to study under the Venetian painter Titian. Tintoretto was also influenced by the works of other Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo and Raphael. Tintoretto's early works were heavily influenced by Titian, but he soon developed his own style. He was known for his ability to capture movement and emotion in his paintings, and for his use of chiaroscuro (the contrast between light and dark) to create dramatic effects. Tintoretto was a prolific artist and his works can be found in museums and galleries around the world. He was also commissioned to paint many works for churches and other religious institutions in Venice, including the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Despite his success, Tintoretto was not always popular with his contemporaries. Known for his independent spirit, he sometimes clashed with other artists and patrons. Nevertheless, his influence on the development of Baroque painting cannot be overestimated and he is considered one of the greatest painters of the Venetian School.