Pieta is a painting by Titian Vecellio, an artist from a city in northeastern Italy. This work was written in 1575 - 1576 years. Subsequently, it became the last creation of a famous artist. At the moment, the picture is in Venice, in the Gallery of the Academy. This museum is considered the repository of the most impressive collection of paintings by Venetian artists who lived and worked in the XIV - XVIII centuries.
Titian Vecellio is the largest representative of the High and Late Renaissance. His name is put on a par with such great masters as Rafael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Titian became famous not only for paintings on biblical and mythological themes, but also his portraits were highly appreciated. Customers included kings, representatives of the Catholic Church, the Duchess, and many other rich sections of the population.
The work of Titian "Pieta": description
Before us appears a niche that is made of stones. On either side are two statues. In the center of Titian's painting "Pieta" are depicted people in a frantic despair, they are united by a single grief.
The body of Jesus Christ rests on the lap of his mother, the Virgin Mary. She is like a statue that froze, sadly looking at the face of a deceased son lying in front of her. Jesus is not depicted as a saint or ascetic, but as a heroic character who fell in battle with forces that were beyond his control.
On the left you can see the figure of Mary Magdalene, who raised her hand in a sign of grief and despair, this gesture symbolizes the cry of sorrow. Her fluttering hair stands out against the background of the entire canvas.
Even the stooped figure of the old man, which is visible from the back, is riddled with sadness about the great loss of humanity.
As for the color of the picture, gloomy brown shades prevail here. Titian's painting "Pieta" demonstrates the artist’s skill in using tones and midtones. The creator draws every fold in clothes and curves of the figure. Any fragment depicted is saturated with the heavy feelings of the heroes of the picture.
The history of the painting "Pieta"
Titian's painting "Pieta" is the last work of the great artist, which was not finished by the author. The master contracted the plague from his own son and died in 1576. He was found dead with a brush in his hand.
Work on the work was continued by Giacomo Palma, Jr. - a relative of the Italian artist Giacomo Palma, Sr.
The painting was intended for the tomb of the artist himself. Titian Vecellio was buried in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice, contrary to the order, it is obligatory to burn the bodies of the dead from the plague.
Conclusion
The work of Titian "Pieta" is considered a grandiose picture, which is the result of the work of Titian Vecellio. "Drinking" or "Mourning of Christ" is one of the most profound works of the master, it most accurately conveys the grief, despair, sorrow and anger of the depicted heroes. In this picture we observe the pinnacle of Titian’s mastery, he created a real masterpiece using compositional and coloristic techniques. Despite the tragedy of the picture, the artist demonstrates the beauty of the human body, naturally drawing every line and bend. Undoubtedly, “Pieta” is considered one of the greatest paintings of world art heritage.