The Venetian Lady: Titian's La Schiavona
| Portrait of a Lady | |
|---|---|
| Italian: La Schiavona | |
_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg) | |
| Artist | Titian |
| Year | 1510–12[1] |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 119.4 cm × 96.5 cm (47.0 in × 38.0 in) |
| Location | National Gallery, London |
La Schiavona ('the woman from Dalmatia'), also known as Portrait of a Lady, is a 1510–1512 portrait by the Italian Renaissance master Titian. The painting is notable for its sophisticated portrayal of a woman whose identity remains a subject of debate among art historians.[2][3]
Description
[edit]The subject is shown three-quarter length against a plain grey background. Her curvaceous form is portrayed with exceptional realism, accentuated by the wide drapery of her earth-colored dress.[2] The body is slightly rotated, while the head looks directly at the viewer, conveying a natural and confident pose.[3] She is depicted with a long round face, brown hair, and brown eyes, looking directly at the viewer with a slight smile.[3]
A profile relief of the same woman is seen on a raised section of the parapet, inspired by ancient cameos.[4]This inclusion of a sculptural element within the painting demonstrates Titian's innovative blending of different art forms.[4] The painting is signed "TV" on the parapet, likely standing for Tiziano Vecellio.[2]
Identity of the sitter
[edit]The painting was referred to as La Schiavona as early as the seventeenth century, suggesting that the woman depicted is from Dalmatia, historically known as Schiavonia in Italian.[4][5] However, this designation is traditional and likely attributed due to her attire and features.[3] The woman portrayed is thought to be part of the Venetian nobility, wearing a costume typical of wealthy women in the territories controlled by the Republic of Venice.[6] Some scholars have attempted to identify the woman as Caterina Cornaro, the former Queen of Cyprus, although this hypothesis lacks substantial evidence.[7][8] According to Candida Syndikus and Sabine Rogge, the painting was among the works considered to depict Cornaro, but no definitive conclusion has been reached.[8] Giuseppe Portigliotti mentions that some writers, unsatisfied with the generic description of "La Schiavona," have inclined to regard the picture as a portrait of Laura Dianti, the "sweet friend and then the wife" of Alfonso d'Este, Duke of Ferrara.[9]
Previously attributed to Giorgione, the painting is now widely accepted as an early masterpiece by Titian.[5] Frank Jewett Mather and Frederic Fairchild Sherman note that La Schiavona is part of a group of portraits distinguished by certain stylistic elements, such as the mysterious "TV" initials, which align more closely with Titian's work.[5] The painting's vitality contrasts with Giorgione's more serene style, indicating Titian's developing individual approach.[10]
Iconography and Symbolism
[edit]The relief on the parapet features a profile of the same woman, connecting the portrait to the Renaissance revival of classical antiquity and possibly symbolizing the subject's virtues or social status.[4] The inclusion of the cameo-like relief may also reflect the Venetian fascination with antiquities and the blending of different artistic mediums.[4]
The red drapery she holds could signify wealth and nobility, as vibrant dyes were expensive during the period.[7] Red was often associated with power and prestige in Renaissance art.[7] Her direct gaze and slight smile convey confidence and poise, traits valued in the Venetian aristocracy.[3] This portrayal suggests that the woman is self-assured and aware of her social standing.[3]
Artistic Technique
[edit]The painting demonstrates meticulous attention to texture and form, particularly in the depiction of the parapet relief resembling classical cameos.[4] Titian combined fine modeling of the figure's face and body with broader, more energetic brushstrokes in the drapery.[6] The interplay of light and shadow highlights the textures of the fabric and the softness of the subject's skin.[2]
Titian's use of a rich palette with subtle gradations enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure.[6] The earth tones of the dress contrast with the vibrant red drapery she holds, drawing attention to her hands and the parapet relief.[7] This contrast also adds depth to the composition, guiding the viewer's eye through the painting.[6]
Titian's decision to repaint areas, including the parapet and the figure's red drapery, suggests revisions to enhance the composition's visual impact.[10] Infrared reflectography and X-ray imaging have revealed underdrawings and changes made during the painting process, indicating Titian's evolving approach to the work.[10]
Comparisons with Other Works
[edit]La Schiavona shares stylistic similarities with Titian's other early works. Art historians have compared it to the Miracle of the Jealous Husband, a fresco by Titian dating back to 1511, suggesting a continuity in his depiction of female subjects.[10] Both works exhibit a robust portrayal of figures and a dynamic use of color.[10]
The painting also reflects influences from Giorgione, particularly in its atmospheric qualities and subtlety of expression, although Titian's approach is more dynamic and vibrant.[5] The comparison highlights the transition from Giorgione's poetic and enigmatic style to Titian's more assertive and expressive manner.[5]
Provenance
[edit]History
[edit]The portrait was presented to the National Gallery in London in 1942 by Sir Francis Cook, in memory of his father Herbert, via the Art Fund.[2][11] It is catalogued as NG5385 and remains part of the Gallery's collection.[2]
Herbert Cook's collection catalog from 1913 lists the painting as one of the significant works acquired during his tenure.[11] The painting had not been publicly exhibited extensively before its acquisition by the National Gallery, as noted in The Art Journal.[12] The journal mentions that while the painting was well-known to critics and art lovers, it had seldom been displayed publicly.[12] This limited exposure added to the painting's mystique and allure among art connoisseurs.[12]
Cultural Context
[edit]La Schiavona was created during the High Renaissance, a period of significant artistic, cultural, and societal developments.[6] Venice, as a powerful maritime republic, was a cultural melting pot due to its extensive trade networks with the East and the West.[6] The city's wealth and cosmopolitan nature are reflected in the opulence and sophistication of its art.[6]
The Venetian school of painting, to which Titian belonged, was characterized by its rich colorism and emphasis on light and atmosphere.[6] Unlike the Florentine focus on line and anatomical precision, Venetian artists prioritized the sensory and emotional impact of color and light.[6] Titian's work embodies these qualities, contributing to the distinctive identity of Venetian Renaissance art.[10]
During this time, portraiture gained popularity among the nobility and affluent classes, who sought to commemorate their status and individuality.[3] Portraits were not merely records of appearance but also conveyed the subject's character and virtues.[3] Titian's portraits are renowned for capturing the psychological depth of his subjects, evident in La Schiavona through the woman's engaging gaze and subtle expression.[5]
Restoration and Revisions
[edit]The painting underwent significant cleaning in 1960, revealing several alterations made by Titian to the original design.[10] X-ray imaging showed that the high parapet with the carved relief was added later in the painting process, indicating that Titian initially planned a simpler composition.[10] The cleaning also uncovered the vibrant red of the original drapery beneath later alterations, showcasing Titian's layered painting technique.[2]
Around 1540, Titian reworked the composition extensively. The face, neck, and red drapery were entirely repainted, resulting in colors that are now more muted compared to the original vibrancy.[5] These changes might have been made to align the painting with evolving artistic styles or patron preferences.[5] The reworking demonstrates Titian's willingness to revisit and refine his earlier works, a practice not uncommon among Renaissance artists.[10]
Reception and Legacy
[edit]La Schiavona has been admired for its innovative approach to portraiture and technical excellence.[5] Art historians praise the painting for its realistic depiction and subtle expression captured by Titian at a young age.[12] The work illustrates the transition from Giorgione's stylistic influences to Titian's mature style, characterized by dynamic compositions and rich color palettes.[5]
The painting has influenced subsequent generations of artists who studied Titian's techniques and handling of oil paint.[4] His approach to layering and glazing created luminous effects that became a hallmark of Venetian painting.[6] The incorporation of sculptural elements within a painted portrait was a novel concept that contributed to the evolving dialogue between different art forms during the Renaissance.[4]
La Schiavona also contributes to the understanding of female representation in Renaissance art. Erin E. Benay discusses the intersection of faith, gender, and the senses in Italian Renaissance and Baroque art, noting that paintings like La Schiavona offer insights into contemporary attitudes toward women and their roles in society.[13]
Exhibitions
[edit]From October 2009 to January 2010, La Schiavona was loaned to the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds for an exhibition titled "Sculpture in Painting." The exhibition explored the relationship between two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms, highlighting how painters like Titian incorporated sculptural elements into their work.[10] This context allowed viewers to appreciate the innovative aspects of La Schiavona, particularly the cameo-like relief on the parapet.[10]
The painting's inclusion in this exhibition underscores its significance in discussions about the interplay between painting and sculpture during the Renaissance.[10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Key facts". Portrait of a Lady ('La Schiavona'). National Gallery. Archived from the original on 6 January 2013. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g National Gallery, London. "Portrait of a Lady ('La Schiavona')". Retrieved 1 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Titian's Influence on Venetian Portraiture." *The International Studio*, vol. 49, 1913, p. x.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Dell, Robert Edward, Holmes, Charles John, and Child, Harold. "The Venetian Influence on Portraiture." *The Burlington Magazine*, vol. 19, 1911, pp. 250–260.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Mather, Frank Jewett; Sherman, Frederic Fairchild (1913). Art in America, Volume 1, Page 116.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Portrait Innovations in the Renaissance." *The Burlington Magazine for Connoisseurs*, 1915, vol. 27, no. 161, pp. 100–105.
- ^ a b c d Syndikus, Candida; Rogge, Sabine (2013). Caterina Cornaro: Last Queen of Cyprus and Daughter of Venice, Page 60.
- ^ a b Portigliotti, Giuseppe. *The Borgias: Alexander VI, Caesar, Lucrezia*. Methuen & Co., 1928, p. 275.
- ^ *The Venetian School: Pictures by Titian and His Contemporaries.* Burlington Fine Arts Club, 1915, exhibition catalog.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l The Art-Journal, Volume 73, Page 150, 1911.
- ^ a b Cook, Herbert (1913). A Catalogue of the Paintings at Doughty House, Richmond, Catalog no. 536.
- ^ a b c d "Early Venetian Portraits." *The Art Journal*, vol. 73, 1911, p. 150.
- ^ Benay, Erin E. (2017). "Faith, Gender and the Senses in Italian Renaissance and Baroque Art", Page 273.
Bibliography
[edit]- Francesco Valcanover, L'opera completa di Tiziano, Rizzoli, Milano (1969).
- Syndikus, Candida; Rogge, Sabine (2013). Caterina Cornaro: Last Queen of Cyprus and Daughter of Venice.
- Mather, Frank Jewett; Sherman, Frederic Fairchild (1913). Art in America, Volume 1.
- Dell, Robert Edward; Holmes, Charles John; Child, Harold (1911). The Burlington Magazine, Volume 19.
- Portigliotti, Giuseppe (1928). The Borgias: Alexander VI, Caesar, Lucrezia.
- Benay, Erin E. (2017). Faith, Gender and the Senses in Italian Renaissance and Baroque Art.
External links
[edit]- Catalog nr. 536 in Herbert Cook's collection catalog, 1913, on archive.org
- High definition image on Google art
- National Gallery website