Masterpieces by Titian

The Bacchanal of the Andrians

Titian, Renaissance style transitioning to Mannerism in the 16th century. Uses the technique of oil on canvas. The Prado Museum painting is mythological. It is an early work that shows the bare landscape. It is about naked women and movement.

On a background of deep blue and golden clouds, showing the joy and laxity that wine produces, affecting both the old man sleeping on the hill and the young man who is in the foreground, and inspiring the joy to drink and dance in the core group. The reclining woman at the forefront of the center of the canvas is said to be Violante, with whom the painter was in love then. At her side, a musical score reads: "He who drinks and drinks again knows not what it is not to drink."

Venus of Urbino

The Venus, also called "Puppy," is an oil on canvas in the Uffizi Gallery. Venus is resting in a room of a palace on a background of curtains, lying in a bed. In the background on the right side, two maids are looking in a chest for clothes. This contrasts the serenity of Venus with the activity of the servants.

The painting features bright colors, light on the nude modeling, and soft modulations of color.

Danaë Receiving the Golden Rain

The young woman seen lying is Danaë, receiving gold dust, one of the many forms Zeus took, which drops towards the old woman sitting at her feet. The white and smooth skin of the youth contrasts with the dark and gritty skin of the elderly woman. The brushwork is loose.

Charles V at Mühlberg

This painting commemorates the Battle of Mühlberg, a victory of the Emperor over the Protestants. It shows the Emperor on horseback, going to the place of his victory the previous year over the Protestants. Titian paints a glorious picture and places him on the battlefield.

Although Charles was not old, he appears aged and full of concerns. It creates a typology of the full-length figure, with one hand on the hip and the other in a solemn attitude, carrying some allusion to power. Like all his portraits, it shows great psychological penetration. Color highlighting functions to bring the figures out from neutral backgrounds and highlights them.