Religion saved by Spain
| Religion saved by Spain | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Artist | Titian |
| Year | 1572–1575 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 168.5 cm × 168.5 cm (66.3 in × 66.3 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
Religion saved by Spain is an oil on canvas painting produced between 1572 and 1575 by
Venetian school, commemorating the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. It is one of his later works, and is considered to be an outstanding piece. Other titles are Spain succoring Religion or Religion assisted by Spain.[1][2][3][4]
It was sent to
Prado Museum since the 19th century.[1]
Painting
Spain rescues Religion is an
Victory on it in her left hand. Moreover, both her left and right hand fingers make a symbolic V ("victory") gesture. The shield bears the coat of arms of Philip II, King of Spain from 1556 to 1598.[1]
Behind her is a woman carrying a sword, representing Justice.Juan of Austria, commander of the Christian fleet at the Battle of Lepanto.[1]
History
In the
Ottoman navy of Selim II (1524–1574). This Holy League was formed by an alliance of Spain, Venice and the Papal States. The battle halted the expansion of the Ottoman Empire further in Europe.[1][4]
The composition echoes a painting commenced by Titian for
Duke of Ferrara (1486–1534), and left unfinished on the Duke's death; it was seen in Titian's studio in 1568 by Giorgio Vasari, still unfinished. It depicted a male nude bowing to Minerva and another woman with a laurel branch representing Peace, with Amphitrite in a chariot in the sea. It was modified and sent to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II before November 1568, to show a figure representing the Holy Roman Empire defending an allegorical figure representing Religion.[1] It was engraved by Giulio Fontana c.1568, but the original oil painting is now lost.[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Religion saved by Spain". www.museodelprado.es. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
- ^ Freedberg, David. "Rubens and Titian: Art and Politics" (PDF). www.columbia.edu. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
- ^ "A guide to the works of the major Italian Renaissance Painters". cavallinitoveronese.co.uk. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
- ^ a b c "Italian masterpieces from Spain's royal court come to the National Gallery of Victoria". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ Religion Rescued by the Empire, Prado