Assumption of the Virgin by Titian - Essay Example

? [College No Analysis of Art Theme and Context: Assumption of the Virgin by Titian Introduction The Renaissance Period is among those considered to be the best portrayal of man’s artistic and cultural capabilities. It is during these times that the great5 masters and their apprentices looked back towards the classical works of the ancient authors and artists as inspirations for the creation of new and more beautiful works of art (Johnson 3). Indeed, this period’s emphasis on revisiting the classical sources and works of arts served as one of the most influential movements towards the bridging of the past (culture and spirituality) and the future (progress and development). One art that has emerged as part of this reconnection with the classics is Titian’s “Assumption of the Virgin”, created between the periods of 1516 and 1518(Cunningham and Reich 323). Titian, whose real name is TizianoVecellio created the said art as part of the developments of his time, but at the same time as part of the creation of a new form and style in painting. Still, one of the most significant aspects of the said painting is its theme on religion and spirituality. In relation, this paper will then explore the said theme of spirituality and religion in the painting. More specifically, it will attempt to explore the theme: “Who or what is God and what is His/Its relationship to humanity?” Finally, this paper will attempt to prove that the theme of the painting portrays the significant role played by God as the guardian of humanity. Why and How Theme was Influential As part of the revisitation of the classical works by the ancient artists, another subject matter that rose with the art forms of the Renaissance was the increased importance given on spirituality and religion. Although later parts of the Renaissance saw to the decline of the influence of the Catholic Church, the earlier days of the said period were filled with the increased awareness of the existence of Heaven and other spiritual creatures. Indeed, the residual effects of the Middle Ages, wherein the church served as the most influential institution in the society, may have also made the theme of the relationship of humanity and God most powerful and influential(Corrain, Boni and Galante 41) In addition, the theme of the relationship of God and humanity was also influential because even until today’s society, Christianity and its effects continues to be among the most pervasive influences of human life throughout the globe. The influence of the City of Vatican and of the Pope in worldwide occurrences also reflects the strong effect of the theme of the relationship of God with humanity. In addition, the style and form of the artwork continues to be among the bases for modern art and art styles. How the Creator Felt about the Theme Titian’s views towards the role of God in the life of humanity were very much the same as that of his peers. His mentors, peers of the realm and of the church, opened Titian to the same religious orientation as their predecessors. Thus, it is of little wonder that most of Titian’s works covered the theme of the relationship of man and God. In fact, the whole composition of the “Assumption of the Virgin” revolved around the reverence held by the creator towards God and the figure of Mary in religion. His acknowledgement of the significant role played by the virgin mother portrayed the marvelous ways used by God to show his love for mankind (Goffen 103). In addition to this, the creator’s use of the thee\me may have also been propelled by his relations with priests and similar other religious personalities. In fact, he was a favorite and a friend of the Holy Roman Emperor and other religious leaders who served as among his top clients (Kaminski 30). In addition to these, even the style used by Titian in his work reflected his views towards God and the spiritual realm. In his use of bright colors, chromatic repetitions, boldly geometric structures, and the subtle combination of light and dark elements, Titian attempted to convey the beauty and the harmony of the relationship between man and God, wherein through God’s love for humanity, he has elevated a human (Mary) who was supposedly imperfect, to join his ranks in Heaven. Impact of the Work on Society When Titian’s “Assumption of the Virgin” was first unveiled to the public, the reaction was mainly negative, ranging from disapproval to downright criticisms. In fact, in an accounting by Jaffe, he stated that during the unveiling of the painting, an envoy of the then-emperor Charles V actually asked the Franciscan priests who were then doubtful of the worth of the painting, to buy it, “lest they were tempted to get rid of it” (192). Indeed, the style used Titian for the work of art was so new and innovative that the Venetian crowd was largely unappreciative at first. Being the largest altarpiece that has ever been created at the time in Venice, it both inspired awe and doubt from its critics, especially with its use of the color red and other new concepts. However, it was not long before the work caused Titian to be recognized as a genius who revolutionized the art for m of Renaissance Venice. The new style of the painting in fact highlighted and brought to life the art of the use of an interpretation of a theme, rather than the direct provision of an information. His critics then turned to followers and they appreciated the ingenious way by which Titian portrayed a wonderful interpretation of the relationship of God and man: The earthly and Heavenly realms were connected by the Virgin’s assumption, with the apostles rejoicing on earth, and with God looking down lovingly (Kleiner and Mamiya 523) Context of the Theme (Why It was Portrayed that Way in its Time Period) This theme on spirituality and religion can be largely explained by the context of the time in which the painting was created. Indeed, the influence of the church, among others, was one of the strongest driving forces of the Renaissance, despite the fact that the power of the church has greatly declined during the said period (Crowe and Cavalcaselle 488). The theme of spirituality may have also been affected by the residual influences of the church which had begun even during the Middle Ages. In fact, majority of the most of works created during the Renaissance period were either created in Churches, or funded by priests and religious personalities. Therefore, it was of little wonder that most works during the Renaissance period, including Titian’s “Assumption of the Virgin” depicted events and occurrences in the Bible. In fact, perhaps one of the strongest factors that influenced the chosen theme of the relationship of God and humanity of the painting was the fact that it was “ordered” to be painted as a background of the altar of the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice (Cole 78). More importantly, the painting reflected the veneration given to Mary as the chosen one, wherein even though she does not have the ability to rise to heaven on her own, she was raised by God with the aid of Angels, to claim her throne (depicted by ready crown) as the mother of mankind. Conclusion Indeed, the Renaissance Period includes best portrayals of man’s artistic capabilities, as displayed by Titian who opened a new era for painting through his creativity. This era brought on the more profound interpretation of themes, especially in his “Assumption of the Virgin”, which showed the theme of the significant role played by God as the guardian of humanity. References Cole, Bruce. Titian and Venetian Painting, 1450-1590. Boulder: Westview Press, 2000. Corrain, Lucia, et al. The art of the Renaissance. Minneapolis, MN: Oliver Press, 2008. Crowe, Joseph Archer and Giovanni Battista Cavalcaselle. Titian: his life and times. With some account of his family, chiefly from new and unpublished records. London: J. Murray, 1877. Cunningham, Lawrence and John J Reich. Culture and values: a survey of the humanities. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. Goffen, Rona. Piety and Patronage in Renaissance Venice,. New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 1986. Jaffe, David. Titian. London: National Gallery Company, 2004. Johnson, Paul. The Renaissance: a short history. New York: Modern Library, 2002. Kaminski, Marion. Tiziano Vecellio, known as Titian 1488/1490-1576. Ko?ln: Ko?nemann, 2000. Kleiner, Fred S and Christin J Mamiya. Gardner's art through the ages : the western perspective Volume II. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. Read More