On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00407
- Author
- Titian [Vecellio di Gregorio Tiziano] (Italian)
- Title
- Self-portrait
- Chronology
- 1565-1570
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 86 cm x 65 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- No
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
A self-portrait of the artist
wearing the chain of the Knight of
the Golden Spur, an honor he
received from Emperor Carlos V
(1500-1558) along with his
appointment as Palatinate Count. He
holds a brush in his right hand,
alluding to his profession as
painter, which earned him such
honors.
Against the background and black
clothing, light brings out the most
important details of the
composition, the face, hands and
chain. Moreover, the subject's
position in profile strengthens the
sense of volume and the expression
of his gaze.
Titian was one of the painters most
concerned with his image. He made
several self-portraits, two of
which have survived. The Prado
Museum's painting is the later of
the two, and was made when he was
somewhere between 73 and 75 years
old.
This portrait belonged to Rubens
and was acquired at the auction
that followed his death in 1640. It
is first listed in Spain in
Madrid's Alcázar Palace in 1666.
