The Venetian Painters of the Renaissance by Bernard Berenson is an influential study of the unique contributions of Venetian artists to the Renaissance. Berenson, a renowned art historian, focuses on the distinctive style and approach of Venetian painters, which set them apart from their counterparts in Florence and other Italian cities. His analysis emphasizes the sensual and atmospheric qualities of Venetian art, particularly its mastery of color and light. Berenson begins by explaining that while Florentine painters concentrated on form and linear perspective, the Venetians excelled in coloristic expression and the depiction of natural light. He highlights how the city’s geography, with its reflective waters and changing skies, inspired artists to focus on the play of light, shadow, and texture. Venetian painters were less concerned with anatomy and structure, focusing instead on the overall harmony and mood of their compositions.