On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00430
- Author
- Titian [Vecellio di Gregorio Tiziano] (Italian)
- Title
- Religion Saved by Spain
- Chronology
- 1572-1575
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 168 cm x 168 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCIONREAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Carrying a shield with the coat of
arms of Felipe I (1556-1598) and
the flag of Victory, Spain rescues
Religion from The Turkish threat
that appears on a chariot in the
sea. Religion is visible at the
right of the composition, wearing
only a blue cloth.
This work commemorates the Battle
of Lepanto (7 October 1571), when
troops of the Holy League (Spain,
Venice and the Vatican) defeated
the Turks and stopped the expansion
of the Ottoman Empire of Selim II
(1524-1574).
The scene is based on a
mythological composition conceived
by Titian for Alfonso de Este
(1486-1534), which is now
lost.
This work came to Madrid in 1575
along with Felipe II Holds Prince
Fernando up to Heaven after the
Victory at Lepanto (P431). It
entered the Prado Museum collection
in 1839.
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