Arcadópolis
Jacopo Pesaro Presented to Saint Peter by Pope Alexander VI
Titian, c. 1506–1511
What you see
Saint Peter sits on a stone throne at the left, dressed in red, a book in one hand and the other raised. Facing him, Jacopo Pesaro kneels in profile, dressed in black, holding a red banner with coats of arms. Behind him stands Pope Alexander VI in a white tiara and a green and gold cope, presenting him. In the distance, the sea is dotted with ships.
The red of the saint and of the banner balances Pesaro’s black and the green of the cope. The red and white checkered floor creates depth, and the base of the throne is carved with figures. Spot the keys lying on the pedestal and the helmet resting on the floor.
About Titian
Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) was the great painter of Venice and worked for more than seventy years. He was a magician of colour: his reds, golds and blues seem to glow with their own light. Kings, popes and emperors all wanted him to paint their portraits.
More by Titian
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