Titian and Salome with the Head of John the Baptist

'Salome with the Head of John the Baptist' (c. 1515) by Titian;  Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome

Most people probably have heard of famous Italian Renaissance painter Titian, born c. 1488-1490 and died on 27 August 1576, but may not be familiar with his full name, Tiziano Vecelli (like me). He was one of the most influential artists in the history of Western art and the leading painter of the Venetian School. He studied with Gentile Bellini and Giovanni Bellini, and the latter would leave a lasting imprint on his style. He continued his studies with Giorgione and became his personal assistant. Their style was very similar and it was difficult to tell their works apart. After the death of Bellini and Giorgione, Titian was the master of the Venetian painters and was famous during his lifetime. The painting chosen for today I find very beautiful and I have been very fortunate to see in it real life during my visit to Rome earlier this month. It is on display at the Galleria Doria Pamphilj and since it is one of the gallery's masterpieces, it has its own private space. If you are interested in reading more about Salome, click here.