so called from his comely aspect, was an illustrious Venetian painter, born in 1478. He received his first instructions from Giovanni Bellino; but studying afterwards the works of Leonardo da Vinci, he soon surpassed them both, being the first among the Lombards who found out the admirable effects of strong lights and shadows. Titian became his rival in this art; and was so careful in copying the life, that he excelled Giorgione in discovering the delicacies of nature, by tempering the boldness of his colouring. The most valuable piece of Giorgione in oil is that of Christ carrying his cross, now in the church of San Rovo in Venice; where it is held in great veneration. He died of the plague young, in 1511.