Titian was one of the greatest of the Renaissance painters. He, rather than the sculptor Donatello, should have been one of the Ninja Turtles. (I think the creators were afraid of people mispronouncing the name.) He specialized in mythological subjects and portraits. He also would accept commissions to paint famous people. One time, the Duke of Urbino came to him wanting a portrait of his wife. In the nude. This was going to be a problem because the duchess was old and not beautiful. Titian was worried about the effect of an accurate portrayal. His good friend Pietro Aretino suggested a solution. Pietro, who was a poet and wit, told Titian to hire a prostitute to pose for the nude body and then he could paint the Duchess’ idealized head on the body. When the painting was unveiled for the Duke, he immediately figured out what had happened. He remarked: “If I could have that girl’s body, even with my wife’s head, I would be a happier man.” The statement was so funny, Aretino suffered a stroke and died on the spot.
– maroon 26
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