Titian vs. Tintoretto: Venice’s Old Masters 

The Venetian Empire produced a remarkable collection of art, architecture and innovation that captivates the imagination of the world in contemporary times. During the Venetian Period, specifically in the 16th century, two notable painters emerged: Titian and Tintoretto. Rivals throughout their careers, Titian and Tintoretto’s work can be viewed at: the Doge’s Palace on the Piazza San Marco and the Accademia and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Experience two virtuosos in a city steeped in history and refined elegance.

The Rivalry

The rivalry between Titian and Tintoretto began early in the career of the latter artist. Tintoretto was born in Venice around the same time Titian began to cement his reputation in the city-state. By the early 16th century, between 1516 to 1518, Titian emerged as a notable artist with the altarpiece painting in the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice. Although much younger than Titian, Tintoretto was given the nickname “Il Furioso” for his furious dedication to his art practice. Titian and Tintoretto became rivals, motivating them to outdo one another and reach new heights of artistic achievement. 

Despite their highly competitive relationship, Titian believed Tintoretto had cultivated his own style, deeming any tutelage offered by himself as unnecessary. In return, Tintoretto greatly admired both Titian and Michelangelo, whereby he wrote on the wall of his Venetian studio: “il disegno di Michelangelo e il colorito di Tiziano,” which translates to “the design of Michelangelo, the coloring of Titian.” 

The Doge’s Palace

Located in the Piazza San Marco next to the namesake’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace or Palazzo Ducale, houses remarkable works by Titian and Tintoretto. The Doge’s Palace itself features rich ornamentation and elements from the 14th and 15th centuries, reflecting Renaissance and Mannerist influences. 

Within the Scarlet Chamber, hangs a frescoed lunette by Titian. Not to be outdone, Tintoretto leaves his imprint on the palace with an array of works. One of Tintoretto’s most esteemed paintings is the Angelo che predica Santa Caterina d’Alessandria del suo martirio or, in English, Angel foretelling Saint Catherine martyrdom. The piece returned to the city after 500 years and will be on permanent display at the palace. Originally, Tintoretto created the work over a ten-year period from 1560 to 1570 and was displayed in the Chiesa di San Geminiano on the Piazza San Marco.

Accademia

Down the Grand Canal from the Doge’s Palace in the Dorsoduro, the Accademia displays a medley of Venetian masters. The Accademia was reconstituted with its present name under decrees of Napoleon in 1807. 

Among the works of Titian in the institution, The Pietà, is of particular significance, as it stands as the final work created by the artist during his lifetime. Other works by Titian include Virgin and Child, Saint John the Baptist and The Presentation of the Virgin. Tintoretto is represented by his works such as, Saint Mark’s Body Brought to Venice, Resurrection, and Miracle of the Slave. 

Other Institutions

Venice offers several other institutions where visitors can explore the contrasts between the two painters. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice serves as Tintoretto’s gallery, with 60 paintings created within 20 years, including the ceiling piece Saint Roch in Glory. The Capodimonte Museum in Naples and the Uffizi in Florence house seminal works by Titian. In Rome, works by both artists are found in the Galleria Borghese and the Barberini Gallerie Corsini Nazionali. 

Cover photo © Scala / Ministero per i Beni e le Attività culturali, Florence

Written March 2020