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Alfonso d'Avalos Addressing his Troops facts for kids

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Alfonso d'Avalos Addressing his Troops
The Marquis of Vasto addressing his troops.jpg
Artist Titian
Year c. 1540
Medium oil on canvas
Dimensions 223 cm × 165 cm (88 in × 65 in)
Location Museo del Prado, Madrid


The painting Alfonso d'Avalos Addressing his Troops is a famous artwork by the Italian artist Titian. It was painted around 1540. Today, you can see it at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. This painting shows a powerful moment where a leader speaks to his soldiers. The full Spanish name for the painting is Alocución del Marqués del Vasto.

What is This Painting About?

This artwork is more than just a portrait of one person. It tells a story from history. The painting shows an event that happened in 1537. Spanish soldiers in Milan were upset because they had not been paid. They almost started a rebellion.

How Did Alfonso d'Avalos Stop the Mutiny?

Alfonso d'Avalos, who was the Marquis del Vasto, gave a powerful speech. He spoke to his men and reminded them of their loyalty. He also promised them that they would get their pay if they were patient. To show he meant it, he left his own son with the troops. This was a guarantee that their pay would come. His speech worked, and the conflict was stopped.

Who Was Alfonso d'Avalos?

Alfonso d'Avalos was a nobleman from Naples. His family originally came from Castile. He was an important military leader. Alfonso fought in big battles like the Battle of Pavia. He also helped conquer Tunis in 1535. Later, in 1538, he became the governor of Milan.

How Was the Painting Made?

The Marquis d'Avalos asked Titian to paint this scene. Titian was a very famous artist at the time. In the painting, you can see Alfonso's son. He is shown as a young page holding his father's helmet during the speech.

Titian designed the painting using ideas from ancient art. He looked at old Roman artworks, like carvings on the Arch of Constantine. He also studied old coins. Titian painted the General standing in a high position. He is speaking to his soldiers. His right arm is raised, which was a common way to show someone speaking powerfully in ancient times.

Where Has the Painting Been?

The Marquis d'Avalos ordered this painting in 1539. He was visiting Venice at the time. The painting was first shown to the public in Milan in 1541. This was during a visit from Emperor Charles V.

Later, the painting was bought by the Gonzaga family. They were the Dukes of Mantua. After that, King Charles I of England owned it. When King Charles I was executed, his belongings were sold. King Philip IV of Spain bought the painting then. In 1828, King Fernando VII gave the painting to the Museo del Prado. It has been there ever since.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Alocución del Marqués del Vasto para niños

  • List of works by Titian
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