September 20th, 2015

Titian (Italian: 1488-1576); Sacred and Profane Love; 1514.  Oil on canvas; 3' 10" x 9' 2".  Titian painted this when he was 25 years old!   Much has been written about the symbolism in this painting....basically: The figure on the left with the luxurious dress represents the fleeting happiness on earth (notice how she is sitting, close to the earth) while the figure on the right who is barely clothed, holding the burning flame of God's love symbolizes eternal happiness in heaven. Cupid is in the center, stirring the waters, perhaps to show the a connection between the two, how earthly love can be the way to a more higher, purer love.