The piece I chose to analyze is Portrait of a Friend of Titian by Renaissance artist Tiziano Vecellio (known in English as Titian). The portrait was painted circa 1550, right in the middle of the “High Renaissance,” or the height of artistic achievement during the Renaissance movement. Titian was likely commissioned to paint this portrait by his friend, as during that time wealthy patrons could afford to have their portraits done by well-known artists. Titian was one of the four most famous artists of the High Renaissance, and although he was Venetian, he painted portraits for patrons all over Europe. Unlike DaVinci and Michaelangelo, other well-known artists of the time, Titian did not paint in fresco, opting instead for oil on canvas for
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He takes up most of the frame, making his shoulders look broad and distinguished. His left eyebrow is slightly raised as he looks back at the viewer, giving off a subtle sense of superiority. He proudly displays the note that confirms his friendship with the artist, and it can be seen as a clue or perhaps a piece of inside knowledge between the two. The background is only slightly lighter than the fabric of the subjects clothing, which is the blackest of black, the richest of the rich. With so much subtlety throughout the work, it is easy to understand the portrait was meant to be formal, and having it painted is a luxury for the subject, or anyone during the time. The purpose of the portrait is to depict the friend of Titian’s wealth and sophistication. His black clothes and fur are the most noticeable aspect of the painting, and not by accident. One would think because he commissioned the painting, he would’ve dressed the part, wearing his most formal clothing to be remembered as sophisticated and wealthy. Though people of that time period rejected ostentation as a representation, the furs and black clothing in a way become a different form of ostentation. Though the colors are more subtle, they still represent wealth and
He takes up most of the frame, making his shoulders look broad and distinguished. His left eyebrow is slightly raised as he looks back at the viewer, giving off a subtle sense of superiority. He proudly displays the note that confirms his friendship with the artist, and it can be seen as a clue or perhaps a piece of inside knowledge between the two. The background is only slightly lighter than the fabric of the subjects clothing, which is the blackest of black, the richest of the rich. With so much subtlety throughout the work, it is easy to understand the portrait was meant to be formal, and having it painted is a luxury for the subject, or anyone during the time. The purpose of the portrait is to depict the friend of Titian’s wealth and sophistication. His black clothes and fur are the most noticeable aspect of the painting, and not by accident. One would think because he commissioned the painting, he would’ve dressed the part, wearing his most formal clothing to be remembered as sophisticated and wealthy. Though people of that time period rejected ostentation as a representation, the furs and black clothing in a way become a different form of ostentation. Though the colors are more subtle, they still represent wealth and