Titian, also known as Tiziano Vecelli, was a prominent Italian Renaissance painter from Pieve di Cadore. He was highly versatile, excelling in portraits, landscapes, and mythological subjects. His innovative use of color greatly influenced future Western artists.
A total of 139 artworks by or after Titian were created, showcasing the artistic legacy of the renowned painter.
In a letter to Philip II, King of Spain, Titian claimed to have been born in 1474, although most modern scholars believe his birth year to be between 1488 and 1490.
Titian, also known as Tiziano Vecellio, was born around 1485.
Titian, born as Tiziano Vecelli in Pieve di Cadora, Veneto around 1487 CE, was a renowned Italian painter.
Titian, born as Tiziano Vecellio, was born around 1490 in Pieve di Cadore, Venetian Republic. His early stylistic development suggests this approximate birth year.
Titian and Giorgione, two influential artists of the Renaissance, collaborated on the facade of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi palace around 1504 CE.
In 1507, Titian created an altarpiece painting, showcasing his exceptional talent and mastery of color and composition.
An early portrait painted by Titian around 1509, described by Giorgio Vasari in 1568. Initially believed to depict Ludovico Ariosto, it is now thought to be of Gerolamo Barbarigo. Rembrandt later borrowed the composition for his self-portraits.
Also known as La Schiavona, this painting was created by Titian between 1510-12. It is an oil on canvas piece located in the National Gallery in London.
In 1511, Titian painted frescoes in Padua at the Carmelite church and the Scuola del Santo, including scenes like the Meeting at the Golden Gate and The Miracle of the Jealous Husband.
In 1512, Titian returned to Venice from Padua and obtained La Senseria in the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a privilege highly sought after by artists.
In 1514, Titian created the oil on canvas painting Noli me tangere, displayed in the National Gallery, London, depicting a significant biblical scene.
One of Titian's important artworks, 'Amor Sacro and Amor Profano', was created around 1515. This painting, rich in symbolism and iconography, showcases the influence of Giorgione on Titian's early career.
In 1516, Titian completed his famous masterpiece, the Assumption of the Virgin, for the high altar of the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.
Titian's The Assumption of the Virgin is a monumental painting depicting the Virgin Mary ascending into heaven. It is considered one of Titian's greatest works and a masterpiece of the Venetian Renaissance.
Madonna of the Pesaro Family by Titian is a grand altarpiece commissioned for a Venetian church. It showcases Titian's skill in portraying religious subjects with rich colors and dynamic compositions.
Around 1521, Titian produced a figure of St. Sebastian for the papal legate in Brescia, which gained significant attention from purchasers. Several replicas of this work exist.
In 1525, Titian married his housekeeper and mistress, Cecilia, to legitimize their two sons, Pomponio and Orazio. The marriage was a happy one, and they had another daughter who unfortunately died in infancy.
Titian created the Pesaro Madonna altarpiece for the Frari Church in Venice around 1526. It featured a unique diagonal composition framed with architectural elements, showcasing the artist's innovative approach.
In August 1530, Cecilia, Titian's first wife, passed away. After her death, Titian remarried, but little is known about his second wife. Cecilia was the mother of his daughter Lavinia.
In 1532, Titian painted a portrait of Emperor Charles V in Bologna, which led to him being honored with the title of Count Palatine and knight of the Golden Spur. This recognition marked a significant milestone in Titian's career, elevating his status and opening doors to royal patronage.
Titian painted the portrait of Emperor Charles V with a Greyhound in 1533, showcasing his mastery in capturing the likeness and essence of the subject. The painting is part of a series of portraits of Charles V, known for its symphony of purples and detailed depiction of the emperor.
Titian painted the Battle of Cadore, a major battle scene depicting the moment when the Venetian general d'Alviano attacked the enemy. It was lost in the 1577 fire that destroyed many old pictures in the Doge's Palace.
One of Titian's popular canvases, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin was created during this period. It showcases the master's skill in handling details and creating powerful scenes.
In 1540, Titian received a pension from d'Avalos, marquis del Vasto, and an annuity from Charles V, which further solidified his financial stability and royal connections. These financial benefits allowed Titian to focus on prestigious commissions and maintain his position among the great artists of his time.
The painting by Titian was partly destroyed by fire. It had a significant influence on Bolognese art and Rubens. Despite its loss, it remains an important work of the master.
Titian obtained a contract in 1542 for supplying grain to Cadore, a lucrative source of income that supplemented his earnings from artistic endeavors. This business venture showcased Titian's practicality and financial acumen, ensuring his continued success and influence in the art world.
In 1543, Titian painted 'Noli me Tangere', a biblical scene depicting the encounter between Mary Magdalene and the risen Christ. The painting is renowned for its emotional intensity and masterful use of color and light.
Marco Vecellio, also known as Marco di Tiziano, was born in 1545 and was Titian's nephew. He learned Titian's methods of work and produced notable works such as the Meeting of Charles V and Clement VII.
In 1546, Titian visited Rome and was granted the freedom of the city. This honor had previously been bestowed upon Michelangelo in 1537. Titian's visit to Rome marked a significant moment in his career.
In 1548, Titian created the Equestrian Portrait of Charles V, a groundbreaking work that established a new genre of grand equestrian portraiture. The painting combines elements of Roman equestrian sculpture and medieval Christian knight representations, showcasing Titian's artistic subtlety and innovation.
In 1550, Titian executed the portrait of Philip II, which was later sent to England and played a role in Philip's proposal to Queen Mary. This portrait painting showcased Titian's skill and artistry.
Emperor Charles V of Spain commissioned Titian to paint 'La Gloria' (The Glory) or The Trinity in 1551. The painting depicts the Emperor and Empress with their son Prince Philip and his sisters kneeling in their burial shrouds.
In 1553, Titian sent the painting of Danaë to Philip II, which is now part of the Wellington Collection. This work is considered one of Titian's notable mythological paintings.
In 1554, Titian created one of his most celebrated masterpieces, the Venus and Adonis painting, showcasing his artistic talent and skill.
Titian created an altarpiece for the Spanish king's chapel in the Palace of the Escorial, depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, in marked contrast to his mythological works for King Philip II.
In 1559, Titian dispatched the painting of Diana and Callisto to Philip II. This artwork, jointly owned by the National Gallery and the National Gallery of Scotland, is a significant piece in Titian's body of work.
Titian's daughter Lavinia, whom he loved deeply and painted various times, married Cornelio Sarcinelli in 1554. Unfortunately, she died in childbirth in 1560.
Around 1562, Titian painted a famous self-portrait now displayed in the Prado Museum, Madrid. The portrait depicts the artist in a black outfit with a cap, holding a brush.
In September 1565, Titian went to Cadore and designed decorations for the church at Pieve, including a Transfiguration and an Annunciation.
Titian's Pietà is a poignant depiction of the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Christ. It is a powerful and emotional work by the artist in his later years.
The sculptor and architect Jacopo Sansovino, who was a close friend of Titian, passed away in 1570.
Titian passed away on 27 August 1576. He was a renowned Venetian artist known for his contributions to the Renaissance art movement.
Fabrizio di Ettore, a painter from a different branch of the family, passed away in 1580. He left behind some notable works.
Tommaso Vecelli, another relative of Titian and a painter, died in 1620.
Erwin Panofsky's book 'Problems in Titian, Mostly Iconographic' delves into the iconographic challenges present in Titian's works. It offers a scholarly analysis of the artist's paintings.
One of Titian's drawings from a period influenced by pastoral landscapes, depicting a lush landscape with a goat. The artwork celebrates the beauty of nature in a balanced composition.
Another of Titian's drawings featuring mythological figures in a pastoral landscape. The untamed beauty of the landscape contrasts with a carefully arranged composition.
An article by James Fenton published in The Guardian on January 4, 2003, discussing techniques and styles used by the renowned artist Titian.
Two of Titian's works, including Diana and Actaeon, were put up for sale in 2008. The painting was purchased by the National Gallery in London and the National Galleries of Scotland for £50 million.
Mark Hudson's book 'Titian: The Last Days' focuses on the final period of Titian's life. It provides insights into the artist's last works and legacy.
An article by Holland Cotter in The Independent on March 1, 2012, questioning the perception and interpretation of Titian's artworks.
Tom Nichols wrote a book titled 'Titian and the End of the Venetian Renaissance' in 2013, focusing on the artist Titian and the conclusion of the Venetian Renaissance.
A news article by Chris Michaud in The Guardian on February 9, 2018, reporting the sale of a Titian painting for a record-breaking price of $16.9 million at an auction.
Maria H. Loh's book 'Titian's Touch: Art, Magic and Philosophy' explores the artistic and philosophical aspects of Titian's works. It delves into the deeper meanings behind the artist's creations.
In 2020, Francine Prose and Xavier F. Salomon published 'Titian's Pietro Aretino', a work related to the artist Titian and his connection to Pietro Aretino.
A piece by Souren Melikian in The New York Times on August 12, 2021, praising Titian's exceptional ability to capture the essence of the human soul in his paintings.
The book 'Titian's Man in a Red Hat' by Giulio Dalvit and Elizabeth Peyton explores a specific artwork by Titian. It delves into the details and significance of the painting.
Venus of Urbino is a famous painting by the Italian artist Titian. It depicts a reclining nude woman, often identified as the goddess Venus. The painting is known for its sensuality and rich colors, characteristic of Titian's style.