Introduction
Paintings are a form of art that expresses the feelings and day-to-day lives of both the artists and people in general (Laurie 32). This kind of art dates back as far as the Stone Age era where paintings were made inside caves using dyes and amazingly enough, these can still be seen to this date (Ibid 33).
Discussion
Early in the 16th century, there were two main artists by the names of Mr. Peter Paul Ruben and Mr. Titian Bellini who were considered to be among the greatest painters ever to have lived on earth (Ridolfi 54).
Not much is known concerning Titian’s early life but he was born from a well-to-do family in 1490, in Northern Italy (Ridolfi 56). On attaining the age of 10 years, his father took notice of his interest in painting and sent him off to Venice to study more of art. A mosaicist known as Mr. Sebastiano Zuccati was his tutor and Titian later went to be with his brothers, Giovanni and Gentile Bellini, at their studio (Laurie 65). A pupil of one of the brothers died in 1510 and Titian took up on some of his work. With time, Titian’s own development of fine art painting emerged and the boldness, as well as expression of his brushwork, became evident (Ridolfi 59). Amongst his famous works of art is that of Venus and Adonis which he did in 1555 (Ibid 32).
Venus was the goddess of love while Adonis was a young hunter. In the course of time, the two of them fell in love but their love story was a tragic one as portrayed in the painting (Laurie 45).
In the painting, Titian portrays Venus as pleading with Adonis not to go hunting that day and instead spend time with her because of the vision she had of Adonis being killed by a wild boar (Ridolfi 55). But Adonis seems to be ignoring her and arms himself to go hunting despite the warning. Titian brings out Venus to look like a beggar asking for food or money from Adonis while Adonis reacts as if he does not recognize her (Laurie 75). Venus appears very delicate while Adonis appears harsh.
In the background, Adonis’s hunting dogs appear hesitant to go as if sensing the danger that lies ahead while Cupid weeps in sadness (Ridolfi 69). Despite being a god, Venus is helpless in stopping Adonis’s death and unfortunately, as the story goes, Adonis remains stubborn and finally meets his death, just as predicted.
Ruben, on the other hand, was not born from a wealthy family as in the case of Titian but was born in exile in 1577, in Germany (Stubbe 25). His decision to become a painter came about after studying classics in a certain Latin school (Ibid 26). He then later on traveled to Venice and was acquainted with as well as inspired by works of previous famous artists amongst them Tintoretto and Titian. His being inspired by Titian’s works led him to paint his version of Venus and Adonis in the year 1635 (Laurie 43). In his painting, both Venus and Adonis are decorated with wet drapery suggesting antiquity (Stubbe 31).
Unlike in Titian’s painting, Ruben’s expression of Venus is that of a lover gently pleading to be listened to. Adonis’s expression, on the other hand, is that of assurance (Laurie 100). He is depicted as trying to reassure Venus that he will be fine and that he will return from his hunting trip. Also, Cupid is not portrayed as being in the background weeping in sadness but is in the foreground, clinging on to Adonis as if emphasizing that he obeys Venus’s advice (Stubbe 36).
The styles and techniques used in the painting of Venus and Adonis by both painters greatly differ. Ruben’s main aim in his painting of Venus and Adonis was to depict sensuousness brought out by the forms (Laurie 110). An observer, on looking at the painting, gets a feeling that the figures can somehow get up and move about within the picture since it seems to extend for miles long (Stubbe 47). The landscape in the painting also gives the perception that Adonis does indeed live in the real world.
On the contrary, Titian’s painting of Venus and Adonis appears to be chaotic and shady and this is brought about by his use of murky and dark colors (Ridolfi 70). The landscape is portrayed as forest-filled as well as dark. Venus is depicted as being vulnerable and is viewed from the rear. Titian’s aim was to allow observers to complete Venus’s physical looks as they perceived perfection to be (Ibid 67). Contrast is created in that the love considered heavenly (Venus) is naked while that considered earthly (Adonis) is fully clothed (Laurie 115). Venus portrays lust as being ugly and violent through her trying to force Adonis to be with her. Adonis’s expression is depicted as appearing to be disgusted and full of contempt by Venus’s actions (Ridolfi 69). The observer gets an impression of the difference between love and lust, which is Titian’s main idea in his painting (Laurie 119).
Titian died in 1567 after giving in to the plague while Ruben died in 1640 of unknown causes in his country home (Stubbe 86).
Conclusion
Both Ruben and Titian were exceptional painters of the 16th Century whose works can still be seen in modern art galleries. They also used different techniques and styles to bring out their thoughts and feelings through their paintings.
Many modern artists view them as legends in the fine art painting world and thanks to the introduction of modern technology unique as well as bold paintings are being created.
Work Cited
Laurie Schneider Adams. Art across the Times. McGraw-Hill Humanities Social. 3rd Edition. Vol. 1. 2004. pp. 32 – 120.
Ridolfi, Carlo. The Life of Titian. University Park. PA: Pennsylvania State University Press. 1996. pp. 54 – 71.
Stubbe, Achilles. Peter Paul Rubens. London, Blandford P. 1966. pp. 25 – 90.