Titian'S Rape of Europa

The Rape of Europa (1562) is a famous Renaissance painting in America, acquired by Gardner from an English aristocrat. It marked the beginning of a new phase in her business relationship with scholar and art dealer Bernard Berenson and made her the envy of art collectors. The painting fueled the debate over England's artistic heritage and was seen as a victim of New World rapacity. This volume explores Europa in Titians own time, creating the last of the six mythological canvases to reach Philip II in three years. It was described as "poesie" and compared to Ovid's poetry and ancient art. The painting's composition is accompanied by commentary from the conservator, Gianfranco Pocobene, who returned it to its original glory.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 80 pages
\n Publication date: 05 January 2021
\n Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing
\n

Nathaniel Silver, William, and Lia Poorvu Curator of the Collection, delves into the captivating acquisition story behind The Rape of Europa (1562), one of the most influential and iconic Renaissance paintings in America. The acquisition of this masterpiece by an English aristocrat marked a significant turning point in Gardner's business relationship with scholar and art dealer Bernard Berenson, elevating her to the envy of art collectors across the United States. While Henry James affectionately referred to Isabella as the daughter of Titian and all of Boston fell at her feet, European contemporaries took notice of the rapidly disappearing national patrimony. The same celebrity that made Europa the crown jewel of Boston's newest museum fueled the widely publicized debate over England's artistic heritage. American despoilers became the rallying cry of British museum directors, curators, and scholars, who portrayed their country as the victim of New World rapacity and Isabella as its most brilliant villain.

This volume delves deeper into the context of Europa during Titian's own time. Here, the legendary painter claimed the power of poetic invention, creating the final of the six mythological canvases to reach Philip II in just three years, between 1559 and 1562. Described by Titian himself as "poesie," these celebrated pictures reimagined stories from antiquity and explored the profound consequences of encounters between gods and mortals. Titian's staggeringly original interpretations drew comparisons with Ovid's poetry and ancient art. Completed over a span of more than a decade, these masterpieces fulfilled part of a larger agreement to furnish the king with paintings, both secular and highly sensual in character, as well as altarpieces of religious subjects.

Published here for the first time, dramatically enlarged details of the composition reveal the intricate artistry and meticulous attention to detail that characterized Titian's work. The Rape of Europa stands as a testament to his unparalleled skill and his profound contribution to the Renaissance period. Through its acquisition and exploration, this volume sheds light on the complex interplay between art, politics, and cultural heritage, offering a fresh perspective on one of the most iconic paintings of the 16th century.

\n Weight: 302g\n
Dimension: 237 x 195 x 10 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781913645007\n \n