Jacopo Bassano

Jacopo Bassano turned biblical stories into scenes of country life, with shepherds, farmers, cattle, sheep and dogs in the hills around Bassano del Grappa. His colour is rich and his light warm, and he was one of the first painters to make night scenes lit by torches and fires.

Born in Bassano del Grappa, he trained in his father’s workshop and studied in Venice with Bonifacio Veronese. He worked for most of his life in his home town, running a family workshop with his four sons, including Francesco and Leandro. His pictures were in demand across Europe.

His Supper at Emmaus is in the Kimbell Art Museum in Texas. In paintings like the Garden of Eden, look at the animals, painted with great affection and detail.