Venus and Adonis
Image courtesy of
The National Gallery of Art, U.S.A
Education:
Titian began his training as an artist under Gentile Bellini, and the
Renaissance great, Giovanni Bellini. Although Bellini had a large effect on
his earlier work, Titian was highly influenced by Giorgione, and adopted many
aspects of his style, mainly his balance in composition. Giorgone's influence
led to a number of Titian's own innovations.
Life/Lifestyle:
He was born in Pieve di Cadore around 1487. When his master Bellini died in 1516, Titian succeeded him as Painter to the Republic.
He
became Court Painter to Emperor Charles V in 1533. He had a close relationship
with the emperor, much like Velázquez
did, but during Titian's time, such things were unheard of.
He died in Venice on August 27, 1576 having produced some of the greatest
paintings and frescos in history.
Style/Significance:
Titian
had a profound affect on the course of art involving figures and portraits.
He changed the meaning of an official portrait. Whereas painters painted authority
figures with personality, using their face to express personality, and idealized
them. Titian chose to give them nothing more than they deserved. Impersonality,
lack of facial expression, those were common in Titian's portraits, and were
adopted by Rubens,
and many others.
His
later styles almost foreshadowed Impressionism. There was lack of definition
in lines and blotchy colors which led people to think that he was being
careless. However, he was known to be one of the most detailed artists in
history. He puts on layer upon layer of paint, changing it over courses of
months, never fully achieving his definition of perfection.
Titian's subjects are also notable.
He is famous for painting fat women with red hair.
Famous Pieces:
The Rape of Europa
An Allegory of Prudence
The Assumption of the Virgin
Venus and Adonis
