Venus with an Organist and a Dog by Titian, painting

Venus with an Organist and a Dog

Titian

Year
Date unknown
Medium
oil, canvas
Dimensions
157 x 213 cm
Museum
Other

About This Artwork

The painting Venus with an Organist and a Dog is an oil on canvas work attributed to a follower of Titian (Pieve di Cadore c. 1488 - 1567 Venice). This canvas reflects a popular compositional theme pioneered by the Venetian master during the High Renaissance, where the interplay of music and classical nudity explores themes of sensuality and beauty.

The scene depicts the goddess Venus in a luxurious interior, partially reclining on a rich blue fabric, attended by a male organist. The organist, who often symbolizes the stimulation of the senses, turns his attention from his instrument toward the goddess. A small dog, typically a symbol of fidelity or desire in Venetian painting, is positioned in the foreground, anchoring the composition.

Titian and his workshop often repeated and varied this celebrated design, leading to multiple surviving versions of the subject across Europe. This particular version, executed skillfully in oil on canvas, showcases the rich color palette and handling characteristic of Titian’s influential style and the Venetian School tradition. The work currently resides in the esteemed collection of the Mauritshuis. Given its historical significance, the image is frequently utilized for study, and high-quality prints of the artwork are widely available in the public domain.

Cultural & Historical Context

Classification
painting

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