Focus Painting: March

March Focus: The Business of Art

Money is at the heart of this painting by Titian; specifically money to be paid as a tax, or tribute, to the Roman ruler Caesar. Fittingly Titian had painted an earlier version of the story for the door of a coin and medal cabinet.

Titian: 'The Tribute Money', about 1560-8

Christ in red and blue appears very serene, especially so given the invasive stance of the man who thrusts his face towards him with the sinews of his neck straining.

Both grey-bearded figures, one with spectacles, stare intently at Christ, waiting for his answer to their tricky question. Christ’s upward pointing finger, placed next to Titian’s signature, signifies his answer to their enquiry.

But what was their question? And what is the significance of the coin offered?

Find out more at focus painting talks.

The Tribute Money

Titian

about 1560-8 (perhaps begun in the 1540s)