Titian: Prince of Painters

Rating:
Summary: A bit unorganized for such a good reference book.
Review: I cannot help giving this book not the best rating possible. What a pity for such a good reference book!
As an individual who practices oil painting myself, I am very interested in the techniques of the Old Masters, among whose Titian's is one of my favorites. In addition to discussions on the catalog, biography, collaboration, etc..., Titian's techniques are discussed in-depth based on scientific results (x-ray and gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry, to name a few. Unfortunately, the presentation of these results is rather unorganized, namely, pointing to painting in point without indicating page or plate number. Consequently, in order to be able to follow the text, I had to make some manual bookmarks myself or search through the book to look for the painting under discussion. Furthermore, some references refer to some paintings that are very difficult to look for throughout the book.

I understand the book is a product of heavy collaboration; therefore, coherence is a real challenge. However, that is no excuse for lack of a thorough index at the end of the book. To my surprise, there is none!

I feel miserable for there is such a flaw in this gem! What a pity!

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful, Scholarly Work
Review: I just brought home my copy and had a chance to look it over for the first time last night. What a book! It's a real treat for the senses, scholarly, wide-ranging, beautifully illustrated...I only wish I had been able to see the show it documents.

The essays I've read so far are concise and authoritative, but definitely speak to the non-academic fan of Titian's work. A terrific span of topics are covered here: the critical response of Titian's contemporaries, his work with collaborators and mentors, etc. The history of the works and the man is plotted in detail, and there are even highly scientific sections concerning the artist's techniques and efforts to maintain and restore his masterpieces.

But none of that should detract in any way from the beauty of the works themselves, which are illustrated in gorgeous color plates. While Prince of Painters does not present itself as a comprehensive catalogue of Titian's works, most of my favorites are here: the Assumption from the Frari in Venice, the Annunciation from San Salvador, Christ Crowned With Thorns from the Alte Pinakothek in Munich (can you believe they even let this stuff TRAVEL to the States?).

I am so happy I bought this book! Anybody with either a scholarly or casual interest in the man and his works would be well advised to hunt down a copy of this book. Maybe not the definitive text on Titian, but a wonderful addition to anyone's art library.

Rating:
Summary: The definitive work for our generation
Review: This catalogue, complete with numerous essays about Titian's working methods, influences, and the like, is the definitive work on Titian for our generation. It contains lavish illustrations, copious commentary, and a comprehensive selection of the changes Titian's painting underwent during his long life.

Rating:
Summary: The definitive work for our generation
Review: This catalogue, complete with numerous essays about Titian's working methods, influences, and the like, is the definitive work on Titian for our generation. It contains lavish illustrations, copious commentary, and a comprehensive selection of the changes Titian's painting underwent during his long life.