Pietà (Titian)

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Pietà

Titian, 1575-1575

Oil on canvas, 389 × 351 cm

Venice, Gallerie dell'Accademia

Pietà is the last painting by the Italian master Titian (c. 1575-1575). It is housed in the Gallerie dell'Accademia of Venice.

The picture represents, over the background of a larger niche in Mannerist style, the Madonna supporting the body of Christ, with the help of a knelled Nicodemus. The latter is probably self-portrait of Titian, represented as if he saw his also upcoming death in the Christ's face. On the left, standing and forming an ideal triangle, is Mary Magdalene.

Another small self-portrait, together with his son Orazio, is showed in the base of one of the columns surrounding the niche. The picture is generally considered Titian's last: an inscription in the lower part of the picture informs that it was finished by Palma the Younger.

The dark and mellow colors, and the general unfinished appearance, contribute to give the picture a spectral, disquieting atmosphere.