In order to fully understand the painting, one must first be familiar with Titian’s background. Titian was one of the most famous artists of the Italian Renaissance. Born around 1488-1490, Titian grew up in Pieve di Cadore. Sent to Venice at the age of nine, Titian became an apprentice to a well-known master of mosaics by the name of Sebastiano Zuccati. Soon Titian passed on to the workshop of Giovanni Bellini, one of the leading painters of the time. Under the guidance of Bellini, Titian learned his trade according to the traditions of Renaissance workshops. He stayed for several years in Bellini’s workshop becoming best friends with Giorgione, also apprenticed under Giovanni Bellini. Titian rapidly became the principal painter to the imperial
