(b. 1490, Pieve di Cadore, d. 1576, Venezia)

Portrait of Ranuccio Farnese 1542 Oil on canvas National Gallery of Art, Washington

Only twelve years old, Ranuccio already possess the grave bearing of an adult. His grandfather Alessandro Farnese, who in 1534 became Pope Paul III, sent the boy to Venice (in 1542) to be prior of a property belonging to the Knights of Malta. Hence Ranuccio is represented with the white cross of Malta on his robe. This portrait is important in the artist's career for it marks the beginning of Titian's long association with the Farnese family and especially with Pope Paul III.

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Author: TIZIANO Vecellio Title: Portrait of Ranuccio Farnese Time-line: 1501-1550 School: Italian Form: painting