The Story Behind these Titian Prints

Titian (c. 1490-1576) was born in the Italian alps and went on to become one of the most versatile artists of the Renaissance period. At around the age of 10, Titian travelled to Venice with his brother, where it was arranged for them to enter the workshop of the Bellini family. They studied under Giovanni Bellini who was considered the greatest painter in Venice at the time. There he had access to some of the richest art pigments and finest materials in the whole of Italy.

Throughout these Titian prints, it is evident that his artwork focused predominantly on mythological and religious subject matter, alongside high-profile portrait commissions. His style portrayed the emotionality, sensuality and physical beauty of his subjects using loose brushstrokes and an emphasis on contrasting colours. One of his greatest works is Bacchus and Ariadne which was originally commissioned by the Duke of Ferrara to be completed by Raphael. When Raphael died in 1520, this commission was then handed over to Titian who completed it in 1523.

After the death of Bellini in 1516, Titian was elected as the official painter of the Republic of Venice which he held for almost 60 years. He was also appointed as the official painter to King Philip II of Spain and acquired wealthy clientele throughout Europe. Titian prints celebrate the beauty of femininity, illustrated in pieces such as Venus with a Mirror. This style of the Renaissance era went on to influence multiple artists including Rubens.