Die Gefangennahme Samsons

1530–1539

The young Tintoretto in Titian's workshop

According to Tom Nichols, the very young Tintoretto, brought to Titian's studio by his father, probably entered the workshop between 1530 and 1539, but only for a very brief time. According to Ridolfi, after being cast out of the studio he resolved to become a painter by studying the canvases of Titian and the reliefs of Michelangelo, and wrote on his wall the motto “Michelangelo's design and Titian's colour”.

1537–1538

“The Battle of Cadore”: a threat to repay the money

The battle canvas for the Doge's Palace, commissioned in 1513, remained unfinished by June 1537: according to a document dated 23 June 1537 the Council demanded he return the funds paid for the years in which he had done no work, and a serious competitor, Pordenone, who since at least 1520 had challenged Titian's primacy in Venice, was available to replace him. He completed the canvas, the “Battle of Cadore”, in 1538; it was later lost in a fire at the Doge's Palace.

1540 · Workplace

Milan

1545–1546

A triumphant trip to Rome

In 1545–1546 Titian made a triumphant trip to Rome, painting portraits of Pope Paul III and meeting Michelangelo. Returning to Venice, he found that the most lucrative commissions were going to other, younger artists.

1545–1546 · Workplace

Rome

1547–1548

Augsburg: the “Equestrian Portrait of Charles V”

In 1547 Titian was summoned from Venice to Augsburg to paint portraits of Charles V and other dignitaries; at the Diet in early 1548 he completed six paintings, among them the “Equestrian Portrait of Charles V”. He also made the emperor aware that he had not received a single payment of his stipend, and on 10 July 1548 Charles V granted him a second annual pension of 100 scudi.