Tiziano Vecelli, also known as Titian, was one of the greatest painters of all time. He represents the Venetian school of the Italian Renaissance. His works are well-known for their realistic interpretation of biblical episodes. Titian had a style of his own that cannot be compared with that of the other artists of his period. This tour will guide you through the most important places in Titian's life and work.
1) Doge's Palace
The Doge's Palace was the symbol and the heart of political life and administration throughout the history of the Republic of Venice. Since 1923 the Palace has been open as a museum to the public. After receiving the patent, Titian became an overseer of official work and was engaged to finish the work of Giovanni Bellini, in the Doge's Palace. Also he was hired by the dukes to paint their portraits and he finished 20 of them. You can admire the amazing work done by Titian throughout the Palace.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Nino Barbieri
2) Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a palace overlooking the Grand Canal and adjacent to the Rialto Bridge. It served as a warehouse used by German merchants. After the fire in 1505 the building was rebuilt completely. The frescoes that now are partially destroyed were painted by Titian and his teacher, Giorgione. This was one of Titian's earliest works.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Gvf
3) Chiesa San Giovanni Elemosinario
Chiesa San Giovanni Elemosinario was erected in 1071 and rebuilt by Antonio Scarpagnino after the Rialto fire. This small Renaissance church has, on the high altar, a painting by Titian of the titular saint, San Giovanni. In the left aisle is a medieval fragment of sculptural relief representing the Night of the Birth of Christ.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Titian
4) Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frar
Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari was founded at the beginning of the 13th century and during the decades that followed it was enlarged several times in order to accommodate the growing number of parishioners. Inside is located the biggest altar-piece in Venice, "Assumption of the Virgin" by Titian. The other piece of art by Titian in the church is "Madonna di Ca 'Pesaro", under which lies the grave of the painter.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Welleschik
5) Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a brotherhood formed by the wealthy citizens of Venice, was founded in 1478. Most of the art pieces are made by Tintoretto, even though the most important painting presented here is the "Cristo portacroce" by Titian. The existence of the painting has been corroborated in several documents, since the image has long been the object of veneration and devotion, especially because it was deemed miraculous.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Kieran Lynam
6) Gallerie dell' Accademia
Gallerie dell' Accademia was founded primarily as an art school in 1750. It had the most famous art teachers of the time from all over Italy. With time it came to house a host of paintings by well-known Venetian and Italian artists. Here are presented several works of Titian, including his last work "Pieta". The painting was finished after his death by Jacopo Palma il Giovane.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Titian
7) Chiesa di Santa Maria del Rosario
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Rosario, also called Chiesa di Gesuati, is located in the Sestiere Dorsoduro, along the Giudecca canal in Venice. The current building was constructed in 1724 on behalf of Dominican friars, with the financial help coming from the entire city. The architect of the church was Giorgio Massari. Titian painted "The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence" especially for this church in the period of 1548-1559. St. Lawrence is the patron saint of the poor and the helpless.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Waysider83
8) Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a church located near the Punta della Dogana, Venice. It is one of the best expressions of Baroque architecture in Venice. Several works by Titian enrich the sacristy: "San Marco in trono, con i santi Cosma, Damiano, Sebastiano e Rocco", "Caino ed Abele", "Il sacrificio di Abramo ed Isacco" and "Davide e Golia".
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Vaghestelledellorsa