A Procurator of Saint Mark’s c. 1575 - 1585

Jacopo Tintoretto made this oil painting, A Procurator of Saint Mark’s, using techniques that were rooted in the Renaissance tradition, but with an energy all his own. Tintoretto was known for his dynamic brushwork. Here, we can observe how he used the fluidity of oil paint to build up layers of texture and tone. It's particularly evident in the Procurator’s luxurious robe: the velvet’s rich, deep red, and the soft fur trim. It’s skillfully rendered, giving the textures a palpable presence. Venice, in Tintoretto’s time, was a hub of commerce and display. His painterly technique captures that sense of opulence, drawing attention to the textures and surfaces that were so valued by the city’s elite. The Procurator’s robe, with its expensive materials and elaborate construction, speaks volumes about his social status and position. It's a symbol of wealth and power, expertly translated into paint. In understanding the artistic achievement of the painting, and its place within Venice, we must consider the way the materials and their handling creates meaning.