Who was Titian? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Tiziano Vecelli, Vecellio

Died At Age: 88

Family:

siblings: Francesco Vecellio

Born Country: Italy

Renaissance Artists Renaissance Painters

Died on: August 27, 1576

place of death: Venice, Italy

Cause of Death: Fever

Recommended For You

1

How did Titian contribute to the development of the Renaissance art movement?

Titian is considered one of the greatest painters of the Venetian school and a key figure in the development of the Renaissance art movement. He revolutionized the use of color and brushwork, creating a more naturalistic and emotive style in his works.
2

What are some notable characteristics of Titian's paintings?

Titian's paintings are known for their rich and vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and expressive brushwork. He often depicted mythological and religious scenes with a sense of drama and emotion.
3

How did Titian's artistic style evolve over his career?

Titian's artistic style evolved significantly over his long career. Early works showed influences of his teacher, Giovanni Bellini, but he later developed a more individualistic and expressive style characterized by bold brushstrokes and a mastery of color.
4

What is the significance of Titian's use of light and shadow in his paintings?

Titian's use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, added depth and drama to his compositions. By skillfully manipulating light and shadow, he created a sense of volume and three-dimensionality in his figures and landscapes.
5

How did Titian's works influence later artists?

Titian's innovative use of color, brushwork, and composition had a profound impact on later artists, including the Baroque painters Rubens and Rembrandt. His works continue to be studied and admired for their technical mastery and emotional depth.

Recommended Lists:

Italian People

Italian Men

Italian Artists & Painters

Male Artists & Painters

Italian Renaissance Painters

Childhood & Early Life

Titian was born Tiziano Vecellio sometime between 1488 and 1490, in Pieve di Cadore, near Belluno in Italy, to Gregorio Vecellio, and his wife, Lucia. He was the oldest of the four siblings.

After spending his early years in Pieve di Cadore, he was sent to live with his uncle in Venice at the age of ten. While in Venice, he developed an interest towards paintings and decided to become an artist.

Afterwards, he became an apprentice of Sebastiano Zuccato, a Venetian artist. Then, he got the opportunity to work with some of the leading artists of the era such as Giovanni Bellini and later the Giorgione, who proved to be quite influential to the young painter.

Continue Reading Below

Career

After assisting Giorgione on several assignments, Titian obtained his first major independent commission of the three large frescoes in the Confraternity of St. Anthony in Padua. Some of his early works included ‘the Meeting at the Golden Gate’ and ‘the Miracle of Jealous Husband’.

Some of Titian’s early religious works were the ‘Gypsy Madonna’ and the ‘Madonna of the Cherries’, which are remarkable for their application of color. Soon, he established himself as an interpreter of mythology with works such as ‘Flora’ and ‘Sacred and Profane Love’.

Between 1516 and 1518, he completed the ‘Assumption of the Virgin’, a masterwork for the high altar of the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Shortly after creating this work of art, Titian was commissioned by Alfonso I d'Este, duke of Ferrara, for creating the mythological work ‘The Worship of Venus’.

During 1518–1523, he represented classical mythology through his three paintings for the castle of Alfonso d'Este in Ferrara; the Andrians, the Worship of Venus, and Bacchus and Ariadne. Subsequently, he produced masterpieces such as ‘the Madonna and Child with Saints Francis and Aloysius, the Resurrection altar, and the Pesaro Madonna.

In 1530, he painted his first portrait of the Charles V as Holy Roman emperor while attending the coronation of Emperor. During the next decade, Titian visited Rome at the invitation of Pope Paul III and observed the Renaissance works of Raphael and Michelangelo.

While in Rome, he produced several masterpieces which consisted of ‘Paul III and His Grandsons’, a stunning artwork of a meeting between the aged pope and his scheming grandsons, and ‘Paul III without Berretta’.

Upon returning to Venice, Titian produced works such as ‘Christ Crowned with Thorns’ and ‘Martyrdom of St. Lawrence’. In 1550, Titian went to Augsburg upon the invitation of Charles V and painted the portrait of Prince Philip in armor, a work which set a standard for state portraits.

Between 1550 and 1576, Titian mostly worked for Philip II and painted artworks for the monastery of the Escorial such as the magnificent Crucifixion, the Entombment, and the Adoration of the Kings. Subsequently, Titian obtained many commissions from Philip II for the Escorial including two versions of the Agony in the Garden, and the Last Supper.

During the same period, Titian executed a series of mythological works for Philip II such as ‘Venus and Adonis’, ‘Diana and Actaeon’, ‘Diana and Callisto’, ‘Perseus and Andromeda’, and ‘the Rape of Europa’.

Major Works

One of his early masterpieces which established Titian as one of the leading painters of the era was ‘Assumption of the Virgin’ (1516-1518). The painting became known for its dexterous use of color and the attractive renderings of the human form.

In his later years, Titian was much devoted to the religious art and painted several mythology-inspired masterworks such as ‘Venus and Adonis’, and ‘Venus and the Lute Player’. Over the years, Titian also created astonishing portraits of few leading figures of the time, Pope Paul III and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

Personal Life & Legacy

Titian married Cecilia, a barber’s daughter, following an extended affair during which they had two sons, Pomponio and Orazio. After Cecilia’s death in 1530, Titian married again and became the father of a daughter, Lavinia, but his second wife also died. Thereafter Titian’s sister, Orsola Vecellio, took care of the children.

Titian died of plague on August 27, 1576, in his palace in Venice. He was buried in the church of S. Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice.

Facts About Titian

Titian was known for his love of bright colors and bold contrasts, creating vibrant and dynamic compositions that captured the attention of viewers.

He was a master of capturing the human form and expression, with his portraits revealing a deep understanding of personality and emotion.

Titian's innovative techniques, such as his use of layered glazes and expressive brushwork, set him apart as a leading figure in the development of the Venetian school of painting.

In addition to his artistic talents, Titian was also a skilled businessman, managing his own workshop and establishing lasting relationships with powerful patrons throughout his career.

Titian Biography

You wanted to know

How did Titian contribute to the development of the Renaissance art movement?

What are some notable characteristics of Titian's paintings?

How did Titian's artistic style evolve over his career?

What is the significance of Titian's use of light and shadow in his paintings?

How did Titian's works influence later artists?