An Embarrassment of Riches

Violence, debauchery, popes, emperors, gods, martyrs, a cardinal's mistress — Titian's work encompassed them all. He had talent to burn and his sensuous paintings were a must-have for the élite of Renaissance Europe. Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) became Venice's official painter in 1516, and was top in Europe until his death in 1576 aged (he claimed) ninetysomething. "Titian," a banquet of his major works harvested from leading European and American galleries, can be savored at London's National Gallery from Feb. 19 through May 18, and — in slightly different form — at the Prado, Madrid, from June 9 through Sept....

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