Paradise
Dublin Core
Title
Paradise
Description
The painting Paradise, made by Jacopo and Dominico Tintoretto from 1588-1592, is featured in the Ducal Palace and represents the greatness of Venice during this time period. It is featured across the expanse of the Great Council wall and stands above where the Doge and his counselors would sit in their political meetings. This is one of the largest oil paintings on canvas in the world, at 7 meters by 22 meters, and in fact, there are so many individuals that very little space is unused, making the painting extremely crowded, while at the same time representing the fact that each individual is a part of a greater whole.
To start, it features an immense depiction of religious figures such as Christ and the Virgin Mary. While these two are the most prominent figures featured in the center of the painting, there are many others scattered throughout that stand for the beliefs reiterated by Venice. For example, next to Christ is Archangel Michael who is representative of justice, as he holds onto the scales and gives direct approval. Moreover, Archangel Gabriel is known as a messenger and is seen speaking towards Mary, announcing that she will carry the child of God. The painting as a whole shows Tintoretto’s mastery of color and light, as he highlights certain parts more than others and contrasts different bodies very vividly [1].
Tintoretto was given the commission for Paradise after the burning of Doge’s Palace. It was a very coveted commission, that Veronese had earned first, but in the end Tintoretto was given the green light after Veronese had passed away. The painting was so large and laborious, that Tintoretto could not finish it by himself, which is why Dominico, his son, also was a part of the finished product.
Due to its size and time of creation, the painting had an audience with open eyes, that analyzed the art very profoundly. Some felt like his depiction was too basic and pictured saints as commoners. On the other hand, others thought the artist used his creativity and artistic style to represent a very holy and heavenly scene with figures floating on clouds. [2] Overall, being that it lies in the Great Council Hall, where policy decisions were made, the painting is extremely significant for representing a Venetian Republic that rules by justice and unification. [3] It was made during a time period of great wealth and prosperity, and therefore it had a great importance for representing the republic in this way.
[1] Jessica DiPalma, “Jacopo Tintoretto Artworks & Famous Paintings,” The Art Story. 2019
[2] Thomas Nichols, "Tintoretto family," Grove Art Online (2003)
[3]"Paradise By Tintoretto".Wga.Hu. 2020.
To start, it features an immense depiction of religious figures such as Christ and the Virgin Mary. While these two are the most prominent figures featured in the center of the painting, there are many others scattered throughout that stand for the beliefs reiterated by Venice. For example, next to Christ is Archangel Michael who is representative of justice, as he holds onto the scales and gives direct approval. Moreover, Archangel Gabriel is known as a messenger and is seen speaking towards Mary, announcing that she will carry the child of God. The painting as a whole shows Tintoretto’s mastery of color and light, as he highlights certain parts more than others and contrasts different bodies very vividly [1].
Tintoretto was given the commission for Paradise after the burning of Doge’s Palace. It was a very coveted commission, that Veronese had earned first, but in the end Tintoretto was given the green light after Veronese had passed away. The painting was so large and laborious, that Tintoretto could not finish it by himself, which is why Dominico, his son, also was a part of the finished product.
Due to its size and time of creation, the painting had an audience with open eyes, that analyzed the art very profoundly. Some felt like his depiction was too basic and pictured saints as commoners. On the other hand, others thought the artist used his creativity and artistic style to represent a very holy and heavenly scene with figures floating on clouds. [2] Overall, being that it lies in the Great Council Hall, where policy decisions were made, the painting is extremely significant for representing a Venetian Republic that rules by justice and unification. [3] It was made during a time period of great wealth and prosperity, and therefore it had a great importance for representing the republic in this way.
[1] Jessica DiPalma, “Jacopo Tintoretto Artworks & Famous Paintings,” The Art Story. 2019
[2] Thomas Nichols, "Tintoretto family," Grove Art Online (2003)
[3]"Paradise By Tintoretto".Wga.Hu. 2020.
Creator
Jacopo Tintoretto
Source
DiPalma, Jessica. “Jacopo Tintoretto Artworks & Famous Paintings.” The Art Story, July 16, 2019. https://www.theartstory.org/artist/tintoretto/artworks/.
Nichols, Thomas. "Tintoretto family." Grove Art Online. 2003; Accessed 26 Oct. 2020. https://www.oxfordartonline.com/groveart/view/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.001.0001/oao-9781884446054-e-7000085169.
"Paradise By Tintoretto". 2020. Wga.Hu. https://www.wga.hu/html_m/t/tintoret/4a/
Image Source: Jacopo Tintoretto. 1588-1592. Paradise. painting. Place: Museo del Prado, cat. 398.. https://library.artstor.org/asset/LESSING_ART_10310120266.
Publisher
Signoria of Venice
Date
1588 - 1592
Contributor
Rafael Salazar-Paranhos
Rights
(c) 2006, SCALA, Florence / ART RESOURCE, N.Y.
Format
Oil on canvas, 700 x 2200cm
Type
Painting
Coverage
Palazzo Ducale, Venice
Files
Citation
Jacopo Tintoretto, “Paradise,” ARTHIST 89S - Visual Culture of Venice - Fall 2020, accessed October 22, 2026, https://venice.dahvc.org/fall-2020/items/show/129.