How does Kristeva interpret Giovanni Bellini's paintings in light of his biography? What biographical detail is of central importance to her interpretations?

One of the greatest, most influential Old Masters of Renaissance art, Giovanni Bellini was a major influence on Venetian painting and on the transformation of Venice from a minor artistic centre to a powerhouse of the Italian Renaissance rivalling Florence and Rome in importance. In particular, he established a distinct school of High Renaissance painting, based on a more sumptuous, colouristic style. By employing clear, slow-drying oil paints, he was able to create deep, sensuous tints, tones and detailed shadings, and thus produce outstanding religious paintings and portraits, as well as wonderful atmospheric landscapes. The best painter of the Renaissance in Venice, his methods had a great impact on his contemporaries and pupils, such as Giorgione (1477-1510), Sebastiano del Piombo (1485-1547) and Titian (c. 1485/8-1576). In addition to this, he created some of the best drawings of the Renaissance.