16th&17th c.
Frans Hogenberg was a Flemish and German painter, engraver, and mapmaker. He is known for portraits and topographical views as well as historical allegories. He also produced scenes of contemporary historical events. Hogenberg was the author of graphic works, engravings of city views and maps of the first four volumes of the six-volume atlas Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Description and drawings of the most famous cities in the world), published in 1570 by the Flemish geographer Abraham Ortelius. Hogenberg's engravings are an invaluable source of information about urban development in medieval Europe.
Georg Braun was a German topographical geographer, cartographer and publisher.
Braun was the editor-in-chief of the Civitates orbis terrarum, a groundbreaking atlas of cities, one of the major cartographic achievements of the 16th century. It was the first comprehensive and detailed atlas, with plans of the world's famous cities and bird's-eye views, and became one of the best-selling works of the time.
The book was prepared by Georg Braun in collaboration with the Flemish engraver and cartographer Frans Hoogenberg. Braun, as editor-in-chief, acquired tables, hired artists, and wrote the texts. They drew on existing maps as well as maps based on drawings by the Antwerp artist Joris Hofnagel and his son Jacob. Other authors include Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c. 1525-1569), Jacob van Deventer (c. 1505-1575), and more than a hundred other artists and engravers.
Tiziano Vecellio, an Italian Renaissance painter from Venice, stands out as a pivotal figure in the art world, renowned for his versatility across various genres like portraits, landscapes, and religious subjects. His influence on the development of Western art, particularly through his revolutionary use of color, is profound and long-lasting.
Born around 1488/90 in Pieve di Cadore, part of the then Republic of Venice, Titian's talent was evident early on. He began his artistic journey in the studio of the Bellini brothers in Venice, later joining forces with Giorgione, another influential painter of the time. This collaboration marked the beginning of a distinguished career that would see Titian become the most sought-after painter in Europe, working for nobility, the Habsburgs, and the papacy.
Titian's style evolved significantly throughout his career. He initially gained recognition for his vibrant, luminous colors and later became famous for his loose brushwork and subtle tonality. This shift was not just a matter of aesthetics but also represented a deeper understanding of color and light. Titian's approach to painting, particularly his use of colore, where he juxtaposed colors to define compositions, contrasted sharply with the line-focused disegno technique of the time. This method contributed significantly to the distinctiveness of Venetian art.
Among his many patrons, Emperor Charles V and his son, Philip II of Spain, were perhaps the most notable. As their official painter, Titian created numerous portraits and mythological works that were celebrated for their psychological depth and expressive use of color. His 'poesie' series for Philip II, including famous works like "Diana and Actaeon," showcased his skill in portraying mythological narratives with a sense of drama and sensuality.
Titian's later works, created in the 1560s and 1570s, are particularly revered for their experimental nature, pushing his art towards what has been termed 'magic impressionism'. These works, like "The Death of Actaeon" and the unfinished "Pietà", demonstrate a radical departure from his earlier style and reflect a continued evolution even in his later years.
For art collectors and experts, Titian's oeuvre represents a crucial link in the history of European art, illustrating the transition from the Renaissance to a more modern, expressive form of painting. His mastery of color and light, combined with his ability to convey deep emotional resonance, continues to influence artists and captivate viewers centuries later.
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