Titian

Perhaps the most enduringly influential painter of the Italian Renaissance, and the epitome of Venetian sensuality and color, Titian has inspired fanatical devotion in painters from Rubens to Velasquez, Rembrandt and beyond. With this majestic volume, published to accompany what will be the most important exhibition in Italy in 2013, he receives his most substantial monograph treatment in more than two decades. "The Concert" and "La Bella" (from the Palazzo Pitti); "Flora" (the Uffizi); "Charles V with a Dog" and the "Self-Portrait" (from the Prado); and the infamous "Flaying of Marsyas" (from the Kromeriz): these are just some of Titian's most celebrated paintings, all of which will be exhibited at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome, in an exhibition designed as the magnificent conclusion to a sweeping overview of Venetian painting. In this accompanying catalogue, Titian's entire artistic career is represented at the most detailed level, decade by decade, scrutinizing his masterly sense of color and the development of his brushwork, with information gleaned from new scientific analysis of works carried out for the occasion. Also included are entries and essays by some of the world's most illustrious experts on this great Venetian master. Titian (born Pieve di Cadore, circa 1485-1576) began his career as an apprentice to Giorgione, and soon became the most important of the Venetian painting school. He died in his late 80s, a victim of the Venice plague--the only victim to be given a church burial.

Review :
The book documents a major monographic exhibition staged in the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome, on of a series aimed at extending the city's artistic profile. It lays out a tightly edited chronological overview of Titians long career in four separated time blocks. Each section is preceded by a generously illustrated essay in which a major Titian scholar reflects on the artist's achievements within the specified period. This volume draws on the rich holdings of Italian collections, featuring many works too large to have made it into other recent Titian exhibitions... Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty;general readers.--D. Pincus "Choice"