How did Pietro Aretino support Tintoretto’s career?

The poet and writer Pietro Aretino supported Tintoretto’s career in several ways during the 1540s:

• Commissions: In 1545, Aretino commissioned Tintoretto to paint a series of mythological episodes for his house in Venice. Later, even after their professional relationship cooled, Aretino commissioned the artist to execute family portraits.1
• Public Recognition: Aretino played a significant role in establishing the painter's reputation. Following the success of Tintoretto’s San Marco Freeing the Slave (also known as the Miracle of the Slave), Aretino wrote a letter to the 30-year-old artist that was full of praise. While the letter also served to temper the young painter's exuberance, it acted as a public confirmation of his fame among the artistic and literary circles of the time.1

Although their relationship later experienced some tension, as evidenced by hints of dissension in Aretino's correspondence, Aretino’s early patronage and public endorsement were instrumental in validating Tintoretto's talent during a critical phase of his development.1