Titian (1488/90-1576) and Andrea de’ Franceschi (d.1551), Grand Chancellor of Venice
after Titian (Pieve di Cadore 1488/90 - Venice 1576)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1800
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
1143 x 1016 mm (45 x 40 in)
Order this imageCollection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1129211
Caption
This is a version of the double portrait at Hampton Court, which was cleaned in 1958 to reveal a third figure on the right. In the Hardwick portrait the figure of Andrea de’ Franceschi is extended to show both hands, and the two half-length figures fill the canvas. The head of Franceschi in both pictures has been taken from the portrait by Titian himself in the Detroit Institute of Art, USA. Andrea de’ Franceschi (d.1551), was appointed Grand Chancellor of the Republic of Venice in 1529, and was a friend of Titian’s, who also painted him into his depiction of the Presentation of the Virgin (Accademia, Venice).
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Titian (1488/90-1576) and Andrea de’ Franceschi (d.1551), Grand Chancellor of Venice, after Titian (Pieve di Cadore 1488/90 - Venice 1576). Two three-quarter-length portraits, standing. Titian to left turned to right, bearded, wearing scull-cap, white collar, looking over shoulder of Franceschi, centre facing, bearded, wearing long senator's robes, holding a few small pages in his left hand, his right hand holds folds of his gown. The original painting is in the Royal Collection and 1957 conservation revealed a third man on the right.
Provenance
In 1811 inventory; by descent until, following the death of Edward William Spencer Cavendish, 10th Duke of Devonshire (1895 - 1950), Hardwick Hall and its contents were accepted by HM Treasury in part payment of death duties and transferred to the National Trust, in 1959
Makers and roles
after Titian (Pieve di Cadore 1488/90 - Venice 1576), artist
References
Gore 1958, F. St John Gore, 'Five Portraits', The Burlington Magazine, Vol. 100, no. 667,October, 1958, pp. 348+351-353