On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00417
- Author
- Titian [Vecellio di Gregorio Tiziano] (Italian)
- Title
- The Marquis of Vasto Addressing his Troops
- Chronology
- 1540-1541
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 223 cm x 165 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Alfonso de Ávalos (1502-1546),
Marquis of Vasto and Pescara, was
an outstanding soldier whom Carlos
V (1500-1558) sent to Venice to
greet the new Dux. That is when
this painting was
commissioned.
The scene depicts one of the most
important moments in the Marquis'
life: the speech he gave in 1537
that managed to put down a mutiny
by Spanish troops in Lobardy. His
son, Francisco Ferrante, who
appears next to him, was ceded as a
hostage to guarantee that the
Marquis would keep his
promises.
The composition of this painting
recalls various classic examples,
such as the reliefs on the Arch of
Constantine.
This work passed from the Ávalos
family into the collection of the
Duke of Mantual from whence it was
acquired by Charles I of England.
It's first documented appearance in
Spain is in the 1666 inventory of
Madrid's Alcázar Palace. It entered
the Prado Museum collection in
1828.
Location on the map
