When: closing July 7, 2019
To mark the 500th anniversary of Tintoretto's birth, the National Gallery has launched a blockbuster show of his work, spanning his entire career. Some of the work on display has never been exhibited in North America before, and two of his works (the "Spring" and "Summer" paintings of a cycle of works depicting the seasons) have not been seen together in over 25 years.
It's a busy show, with crowds larger than the usual exhibit. You don't need tickets and there's no timed entry, but you may have to wait to read the wall notes or get up close to the art. Still, it's fun to be part of a big show.
Things start off on a promising note with the entry plaque: "In Venice, in the sixteenth century, each day broke abuzz with commerce and creativity." I'm not interested in time travel, but if I had to go back, I've now decided that 16th century Venice is my destination. The dominant painter of the second half of this artistic century was Tintoretto, who was both a great artist and a great businessman. No starving artist he! When he was young and little known, he gave away his works, thus gaining attention he would otherwise not have had. Later in his career, he focused on portraits of the high and mighty, who had plenty of ready cash to pay for his work.
One of the first paintings you see is a self-portrait of him as a young man. He looks as if he's been interrupted in his work, and is eager to get back to it. He's full of energy and life and the desire to prove himself. At the end of the show, there is another self-portrait, of the artist as an old man. He looks a bit tired, as if he's ready to rest. It's a great way to bookend the exhibit, to show Tintoretto's life in his work.
Verdict: This is a terrific show, and an absolute must see.
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