Titian

Saint John the Evangelist on Patmos

Portrait of Caterina Cornaro as Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Diana and Actaeon

Venus Blindfolding Cupid

Titian’s works of art over the years ultimately surfaced him as the greatest Venetian artist there ever was. He specialized in portraits, mythological subjects, and landscapes/backgrounds. In his paintings, Venus Blindfolding Cupid Titian utilizes the mythological figure Cupid to symbolize love and togetherness. Another example of Titian utilizing mythological figures was in his painting Saint John and the Evangelist on Patmos. What made this painting so unique was the location of the scene and background scene. This scene is depicting an apocalyptic vision of Christ’s Second coming (1). Another skill Titian specialized in was portraits, like the Portrait of Caterina Cornaro as Saint Catherine of Alexandra (2). In this portrait, Titian was able to fill the frame and position her body in a formal presentable way. He captures her wealth and power displayed on the wardrobe painted. The final painting in this exhibit is Diana and Actaeon. The background of this painting tells a story of its own messaging different things to the viewers (3). One thing the background foreshadows to the audience is a skull tag that foreshadows Actaeon’s death (4). This painting was apart of a long series of paintings Titian did depict mythological scenes. Overall Titian’s use of mythological features, backgrounds, and portraits was unmatched during this time period making him one of if not the best Venetian painter.

1. “Saint John the Evangelist on Patmos.” Art Object Page. Accessed September 23, 2020. https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.43725.html.
2. “National Gallery of Art.” Titian and the Late Renaissance in Venice. Accessed September 23, 2020. https://www.nga.gov/features/slideshows/titian-and-the-late-renaissance-in-venice.html.
3. “National Gallery of Art.” Accessed September 23, 2020. https://www.nga.gov/features/slideshows/titian-and-the-late-renaissance-in-venice.html.
4. Titian. “Titian: Diana and Actaeon: NG6611: National Gallery, London.” The National Gallery, 1 Sept. 1556, www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/titian-diana-and-actaeon