On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00434
- Author
- Titian [Vecellio di Gregorio Tiziano] (Italian)
- Title
- The Virgin and Child with Saints Dorothy and George
- Chronology
- Ca. 1515
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 86 cm x 130 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
The Virgin Mary holds the Christ
Child in her arms in front of a
green curtain, accompanied by Saint
Dorothy and Saint George in a Sacra
Conversazione.
Saint George (fourth century) wears
armor and carries his symbol, the
lance with which, according to
legend, he slew the dragon. Saint
Dorothy (fourth century) was
originally from Cappadocia and
suffered Emperor Diocletian's
persecution of Christians. Here,
she presents a basket of flowers to
the Christ Child, an allusion to
her final miracle when, just
moments before she was martyred,
she miraculously made a basket of
fruit and flowers appear in front
of one of her executioners, who had
made fun of her.
In this work, Titian displays his
mastery of technique with a clear
exposition and brilliant colors
that contrast with his early work
under Giorgione.
A copy of this painting, with small
variations, is at Hampton Court,
London.
This is the earliest painting by
Titian owned by Felipe II
(1556-1589), who sent it to El
Escorial in 1593. It entered the
Prado Museum in 1839.
Location on the map
