VERONESE, Paolo
(b. 1528, Verona, d. 1588, Venezia)

Marriage at Cana (detail)

1571-72
Oil on canvas
Gemäldegalerie, Dresden

The rich variety of inclined and conferring heads painted with great realism is characteristic of Veronese's painting. The artist repeatedly demonstrates his skills as a portrait painter even in his religious history paintings. Though Venetian patricians were required to outdo each other in modesty rather than in monuments, the introduction of discreet donor portraits was quite usual, and was justified on the grounds of demonstrating to the world the donor's piety. The delightful bride of the wedding, strongly highlighted by the artist, has enchanted connoisseurs and artists alike for centuries.