A picture for a grave
Titian intended the Pietà to hang over his own grave. He planned it for the church of the Frari in Venice.
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Pietà
Titian · 1570s
painting
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Select a detail to locate it.
Titian intended this Pietà to hang over his own grave, and planned it for the church of the Frari in Venice. He left it unfinished at his death, and Palma il Giovane completed it.
Details
Look first at Mary Magdalene on the left, who is shown crying out in grief. Then follow the light: an angel with a torch is in the picture, and the whole canvas glows with colour and light.
In its time
1570s
Books from this period
Where it hangs
Gallerie dell'Accademia
Hall XI
In context
Finished by another hand
Titian left the Pietà unfinished at his death, and Palma il Giovane completed it.
The cry of the Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is shown crying out in grief.
Light in the dark
An angel with a torch is in the painting, which glows with colour and light.