The Venus of Urbino
A large, oil on canvas painting faithfully representing Titian's famous "Venus of Urbino", of the same dimensions. This painting was entirely executed in the Palatina Gallery (in the Pitti Palace in Florence), while side-by-side to the original when it was displayed there, (it is now at the Ufizzi Gallery in Florence). Previously known as the "Venere del Cagnolino", (the Venus of the Little Dog), this is a much-studied Renaissance painting that is pivotal to the History of Renaissance Art. Titian completed Giorgione's unfinished "Venus" (a similarly-reclining nude), and was consequently commissioned by the Duke of Urbino to paint his young bride in the style of Giorgione's Venus. The painting was destined for the Duke's private chambers, and not for public viewing - hence the erotic undertones and many allegorical references to love and sex that this painting has. Signed by the painter M. Portnoff, in 1916 . The rear of the canvas has a signed annotation in Italian from the Director of the Palatina Gallery which reads, translated, "Witnessed by the Director", and it is stamped with the Palatina Gallery seal. Many painters have since referenced the original Titian painting, for example Manet's "Olympia", Goya's "La Maya Desnuda", and Gaugin's "The King's Wife".
Condition report: In excellent and unrestored condition, retaining the original gold leaf frame. The surface of the painting is nicely aged, the oil paint with fine crackling. No losses or damages to the painted finish.
Dimensions: Frame 136 x 185 cm.
Status: Sold