Lives of Titian

Titian, a renowned painter in Venice, was recognized for his innovative and romantic style, experimenting with different techniques throughout his career. This volume collects significant writings about Titian from his contemporaries and near contemporaries, including Vasari's biography, Ariosto's poetry, Aretino's letters, Priscianese's account, Speroni and Dolce's contributions, and Borghini's criticism. The writings have been newly edited and accompanied by color illustrations covering Titian's extensive oeuvre.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 176 pages
\n Publication date: 13 June 2019
\n Publisher: Pallas Athene Publishers
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Titian, a renowned painter of the Venetian Renaissance, emerged as a dominant figure in his generation during the early 16th century. His artistic journey began under the guidance of the esteemed Giovanni Bellini, where he, alongside his contemporary Giorgione, embarked on a transformative exploration of the artistic possibilities. With a relentless spirit of innovation and improvisation, Titian departed from Bellini's statuesque style, infusing it with a more impressionistic and romantic essence. This restless pursuit of artistic evolution characterized his entire career, as he experimented with various styles throughout his long life. The brushwork of his final masterpieces, characterized by a mysterious poetry that has never been matched, exemplifies the depth of his artistic prowess.

This comprehensive volume, part of the series "Lives of the Artists," presents a collection of significant writings about Titian authored by his contemporaries and near contemporaries. The centerpiece of the collection is Vasari's biography, a Florentine artist who encountered Titian's distinct Venetian sensibility, challenging his notion of art as mere design. Ariosto, a poet, and Aretino, a skilled letter writer, offered a more nuanced perspective on Titian's work, while Priscianese's account of a dinner party with Titian and the contributions by Speroni and Dolce further enrich our understanding of this profound artist. Additionally, the slightly later Tuscan critic Borghini contributes his insights, rounding out the comprehensive portrait of Titian.

For many years, these writings remained largely unavailable in any form, making this edition a valuable treasure. The scholar Carlo Corsato has provided insightful introductions that place each work within its artistic and literary context. Approximately 50 pages of color illustrations showcase the vast range of Titian's remarkable oeuvre, adding visual depth to the textual exploration.

Titian's legacy as a painter continues to resonate with audiences, thanks to his profound artistic achievements and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. His paintings, characterized by their sensuality and emotional impact, remain some of the most celebrated and influential works in Western art history. This collection of writings, meticulously edited and accompanied by stunning illustrations, offers a deeper appreciation of the genius of Titian and his profound contribution to the world of art.

\n Weight: 186g\n
Dimension: 116 x 144 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781843681717\n \n