About this artwork
This early work depicts the three stages of life: infancy, adulthood and old age. Cupid clambers over the sleeping babies who may grow up to be like the young lovers on the right. Their intense and intimate relationship will eventually be interrupted by death, symbolised by two skulls which the old man contemplates. Titian invites us to meditate on the transience or passage of human life and reminds us of everlasting love. To his contemporaries the church in the background may have signalled the promise of eternal life in heaven. The lush landscape complements the lyrical mood, echoing classical and contemporary pastoral poetry.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) (about 1485/90 - 1576) Italian
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title:The Three Ages of Man
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date created:About 1512 - 1514
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:90.00 x 150.70 cm; Framed: 193.70 x 129.50 x 13.40 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Bridgewater Collection Loan, 1945
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accession number:NGL 068.46
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gallery:
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subject:
Titian (Tiziano Vecellio)
Titian (Tiziano Vecellio)
Titian made a greater impact on European painting than any other artist from Venice. His use of colour and development of a 'painterly' style of lively brush work has influenced generations of artists. He excelled in all types of painting, including altarpieces, religious subjects for private...