Self-Portrait (Titian, Madrid) facts for kids
The Self-Portrait is a famous painting by the Italian artist Titian. He painted it around 1560, when he was over 70 years old. This painting is one of two self-portraits by Titian that we still have today. It shows him looking old and tired, but also very wise.
Titian painted himself looking thoughtful and a bit distant. Even though he looks aged, the painting still shows his great skill and importance as an artist. This artwork is different from his earlier self-portrait, which shows him looking more alert and confident.
What the Painting Shows
Titian wears simple but expensive clothes in the painting. In the bottom left corner, you can see him holding a paintbrush. This small detail is important. It shows that he is a painter.
This was one of the first self-portraits in Western art where the artist actually showed themselves painting. Titian's idea inspired many artists who came after him. Famous painters like Velázquez and Goya later included themselves painting in their own artworks.
The painting uses dark colors like black and brown. There are small touches of white around Titian's face and hair. These colors make his face stand out. You can see his high forehead, hooked nose, and long beard. His eyes look deep and thoughtful.
Titian was very good at using paint and shadows. This painting shows how skilled he was in his later years. While his earlier self-portrait showed his energy, this one shows his wisdom and authority.
Titian's Public Image
Titian cared a lot about how people saw him. He kept his private life mostly secret. This helped him control his reputation. A writer named Giorgio Vasari said that Titian was very wealthy by this time. He did not need to rely on new painting jobs.
Titian's self-portrait helped improve how others viewed him. It shows his old age, but also his high status. He wears fine clothes. His profile view was usually for very important people.
Titian also included a similar self-portrait in another painting. This was The Virgin and Child with Saints Titian and Andrew. He planned for this painting to be in his tomb.
See also
- List of works by Titian
Images for kids
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In Spanish: Autorretrato (Tiziano) para niños
