A masterpiece by Titian, The Entombment of Christ, will be on display through June 12 in the Kimbell?s original Khan Building. The piece, created during the height of the Venetian painter?s career, is on loan from the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The vivid colors and techniques give Titian his unparalleled reputation to this day. “This painting is one of Titian’s greatest achievements,” commented Eric M. Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum. “In fact, I believe it’s one of the greatest achievements in all of European painting.”
Titian?s painting following the Gospel, however there are details that suggest actions described in The Humanity of Christ written by Pietro Aretino, one of Titian?s friends. The position of Christ?s body in the painting was inspired by a Roman relief sculpture Bed of Polyclitus. This sculpture features the Sacrifice of Isaac and Cain and Abel.
Titian?s work has a distinguished story. He created twenty-five paintings for the Habsburg Emperor Charles V?s son, King Philip II of Spain, including The Entombment. A piece on the same subject was lost in transit to Philip II. Titian took this as a chance to recreate the painting. He wrote to Philip II saying he was happier with the second version. The piece was eventually transferred to the Escorial to hang next to Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, another successful work by Titian.