Biographical Notes
Veronese, Paolo (Paolo Cagliari) (c. 1528–1588). In the 16th century,
Veronese worked in Venice as the greatest decorator of palaces, mainland
villas, and monastery refectories. He was famous for his depiction of richly
colored, sumptuous costumes and his immense, illusionistic settings. He
worked extensively in the ducal palace in Venice, as well as on numerous
other wall and ceiling frescoes. He was also an important painter
of altarpieces.Watteau, Antoine (1684–1721). One of the initiators of the French Rococo
style; his favorite subjects included the theater and ladies and gentlemen at
play in outdoor settings, often suffused with melancholy.Weyden, Rogier van der (1399/1400–1464). A pupil of Robert Campin,
Rogier served as city painter in Louvain and executed the Descent from
the Cross for the chapel of the Archers’ Guild. His emotional art was very
inÀ uential in Germany as well as Flanders in the later 15th century.Witte, Emanuel de (1616/18–1692). Dutch painter who specialized in
architectural scenes, primarily church and house interiors; his work depicted
the play of light and shadow in these settings.Zurbaran, Francisco de (1598–1664). Spanish painter known for direct
narrative scenes and strong light-dark contrasts. He frequently painted for
monasteries, and his art reÀ ects the solemnity of those establishments.