Titian’s Aretino

Titian designed author portraits for Pietro Aretino’s books, painted five known independent portraits, and two portraits in narrative paintings. All of these were done for specific persons in particular circumstances with intentions varying greatly in purpose and complexity. This study reconstructs these contexts as fully as possible, showing how contexts determine the concept of each portrait and enhance appreciation of Titian’s artistry in revealing different aspects of Aretino’s personality and character.