“Portrait of Alfonso d’Avalos, Marquis of Vasto in Armor with a Page” was acquired for $70m in 2003 by the Getty’s for their beautiful Getty Museum and Villa. A single painting valued at $96.57m today if we allow only for inflation. Please take a look at d’Avalos portrait here:

Painted by Tiziano or more widely known as Titian in English, this unequivocally represents his powers of fine portrait excellence. Always commanding a dignified presence for his subjects, mastery of light and exquisite detailing of textures. Titian’s ability to mirror textures is so awe-inspiring that I am quick to place him amongst my favourite past Masters even before we talk about his natural artistic flair.

Interestingly Titian shares the 16th Century world of art with yet another famous Italian artist of favoured significance to me. I will name unsaid artist in my Blog at a future convenient time. Certainly they are both commensurate textural geniuses applauded for their fine art paint work. I often marvel at the painting time their work required for this level of miniscule brush work.

Most accomplished past Masters like Titian retained skilled understudies to happily assist in their workshops. Art students eager to learn the art trade from their famed tutors. Titian himself hailed from the Venetian school system years prior. A great apprentice in the making. Past Masters commissions could include travel by ships that regularly graced the seas with the strength of the wind in order to visit clients through amenable oceans.

Returning to the portrait for the purpose of my Blog – instantly we see solid substance and grandeur in this d’Avalos pose. The inclusion of a page boy enforces the idea that Alfonso d’Avalos is a physically mighty man in stature held in high military regard. His armour is painted strong in every sense with the metal reflecting white light in a robust manner and with remarkable perceptible depth.

His facial expression gives me the idea that he is looking toward a future battle in distant lands. Concentrated awareness is in his eyes. A glimpse into his mind. A mind fixed upon ensuring he will provide Tiziano with the precise way that he would like to be known and remembered in this portrait.

From notable Spanish-Italian origin Alfonso d’Avalos was made Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece in 1531. His titles included 1st Prince of Francavilla, 2nd Marquis de Vasto, Marquis di Pescara and General & Governor of Milan. In 1538 he served as Ambassador to Spain and commanded the Imperial Army during the Italian War of 1542.

“Titian has therefore produced a portrait of considerable importance to Spanish-Italian history. The workmanship of which is at least equal to other leading art compatriots of his day. Furthermore it provides us with an insight into the function of leading portrait artists as established pictorial historians.”

Please also take a look at his portrait of Pope Paul III (1543) below to further see why Titian’s work is highly prized by wealthy collectors, Art Galleries and Museums:

The palette contrast between these two paintings shows that Titian intelligently chose specific colour schemes to highlight the purposeful reasoning behind each portrait. Be it solemn, serious or joyful in its portrayal.

I myself happily study Titian and his work and hope you have enjoyed this blog article.

– Matt, The Unfathomable Artist