Tiziano Vecellio ('Titian') (c.1488-1576) was among the earliest artists to leave a profound mark in the history of painting, with influences that resonate in artists from Velázquez to Cézanne. The leading painter of the High Renaissance period in Venice, his oeuvre ranges from monumental works such as the immense Frari altarpiece, to the elegiac treatment of mythological themes, to the intimate, psychological field of portraiture. Titian began in the style of Giorgione and Giovanni Bellini, before developing his own chromatic classicism until the "mannerist crisis" of the 1520s an 1530s, after which his work incorporated a more sculptural quality.
His extremely productive and long life brought international fame and exceptional friendships (such as those with celebrated writers Ariosto and Aretino), long journeys, and homage from powerful rulers: he was made count by the Emperor Charles V. Throughout, Titian pursued the sense and physicality of colour; ultimately, old and virtually blind, he was painting with his fingers, in the knowledge that his end was near just as he was beginning to understand the true nature of painting. The book features works from: Musée du Louvre, Paris (3); Museo del Prado, Madrid (2); Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna; Akademie der Bildenden Kunst, Vienna; Alte Pinakothek, Munich; National Gallery, London (2); National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh; Chiesa dei Gesuiti, Venice; S. Maria dei Frari, Venice; Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence; Galleria Borghese, Rome; Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, Naples; Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston.
Every book in the Timeline series offers a concise, striking visual chronology of its subject, whether this is the evolution of a single painter's style or the changing face of an entire movement in art, fashion or design. Despite first appearances, these are not like other books - each title pulls out to become an innovative two-sided guide. On the front, the Timeline shows you sixteen key images in chronological order - for example, excerpts from the crucial works of a particular artist, or details from evolving stages of an era in design. At a glance, you see a clear visual path through the development of the subject. On the back you will find all the detail - entire reproductions of the pieces discussed, succinct explorations of their context, meaning and history written by experts, biographies of the artists, and more. The Timeline series offers a fresh, simple visual reference that is ideal for art-lovers, casual visitors to museums and art galleries, and students - anyone who wants to see clearly how artistic styles evolve and change over time.
