1. Equestrian Portrait of Charles V
One of Titian's many masterpieces of portraiture, 'Equestrian Portrait of Charles V' was commissioned to commemorate Charles V's victory over the Protestant armies in 1574's Battle of Muhlberg. This inspiring work had such an impact at the time that it gave birth to an entirely new artistic genre, that of the grand equestrian portrait.
2. Pesaro Madonna
This painting, also known as ' Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro,' was commissioned by Jacopo Pesaro to be displayed in his family's private chapel. In fact, this painting shows the patron himself kneeling before Saint Peter and the Virgin Mary. One of Titian's most studied works, it established a classic formula that has been emulated by many artists ever since.
3. Sacred and Profane Love
Painted when Titian was only 25, this interesting painting shows two women sitting on a stone coffin, with Cupid in between. While there are many different interpretations for this artwork, many experts consider the women to be twin Venuses, one representing divine and eternal love, and the other standing for the forces of nature.
4. Pope Paul III and His Grandsons
This detailed painting shows the turbulent relationship between Pope Paul III and two of his grandsons, Alessandro and Ottavio. It is commonly referred to as the one of the most politically challenging portraits in art history, and Titian's subtle depiction of this high-level interpersonal drama is absolutely outstanding.
5. Danaë with Nursemaid
Titian's series of Danaë paintings are considered to be among his greatest works, and this one in particular is the most famous of them all. Here, Danaë can be seen lying nude on her couch, while Jupiter descends upon her in the guise of golden rain. On the right, her nursemaid can be seen trying to catch the many golden coins that are falling from the sky.
6. The Rape of Europa
Painted as part of a series for Spain's Philip II, this painting shows Jupiter, disguised as a bull, carrying Princess Europa off to Crete over dark and gloomy seas. Here, Titian decided to make use of Baroque-like vibrant brushstrokes, swirling colors, and blurred lines, all of which contrast harshly with his delicate earlier works.
7. Venus of Urbino
Commissioned by Guidobaldo Rovere, the Duke of Urbino, this unapologetically erotic painting depicts a nude Venus staring the viewer in the eye, completely unconcerned with her lack of clothing. In terms of the sheer beauty of form, this is undoubtedly one of the finest examples in the history of art.
8. Diana and Actaeon
One of Titian's famous 'poesies,' this painting shows the instant in which Actaeon walks in on the goddess, Diana as she is bathing. In the mythological tale, Diana then subsequently transforms her intruder into a stag, leading him to be set upon by a pack of hungry hounds.
9. Bacchus and Ariadne
In another of Titian's mythological creations, you can see Ariadne, who has been deserted by her lover, being discovered by Bacchus on the seashore. Titian's humorous depiction of the ideals of antiquity make 'Bacchus and Ariadne' one of the most important works of the Renaissance period, and it can now be seen hanging in London's National Gallery.
10. Assumption of the Virgin
Hanging over the altar in the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, this was Titian's first Venetian commission, which resulted in him being established as Venice's lead painter. This painting, which depicts Mary's ascension to heaven with both body and soul intact, is one of the Renaissance's most marvelous paintings, and is by far Titian's greatest masterpiece.
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