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Titian Preparing to make his First Essay in Colouring
Titian Preparing to make his First Essay in Colouring
Titian Preparing to make his First Essay in Colouring

Titian Preparing to make his First Essay in Colouring

Artist (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1806 - 1864)
Associated (Venice, Italy, c.1488 - 1576)
Date1856 - 1857
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: 100.5 × 79cm
Frame Size: 123.7 × 102.4 × 9cm
Weight: 70.5kg - framed
AcquisitionPurchased in 1923.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003211
About MeThe lives of the Old Masters was an established category of subject matter in the 19th century. In this painting, we see Titian, the 16th century Venetian artist, as a young boy contemplating a statue of the Madonna and Child. Titian is reported to have discovered colour through experimenting with the juices of crushed flowers. Here, Dyce presents the young artist, with flowers in hand, inspired by nature and spirituality.

Although the picture is not historically accurate, the subject can be seen to reflect Dyce's own views on art. As a teacher, an art historian and a practising artist, Dyce attached great importance to colour and the observation of light and nature.
More About Me
Titian, reported to have discovered colour from the juice of crushed flowers, presented here as a young artist, flowers in hand, inspired by nature and spirituality