The Triumph of Love brings an entirely new kind of Venetian painting into the Ashmolean collection, a secular allegorical theme by Venice's greatest painter, and a new type of domestic picture, a cover for a portrait. The rondel depicts Cupid trampling a lion and represents love conquering bestiality. It would seem that the work originally functioned as a cover for a portrait by Titian. In spite of the importance of the Ashmolean's Italian Renaissance collection, there are surprisingly few secular paintings on mythological or allegorical themes. This work is a valuable addition to the collection and complements the other Titian portrait acquired with Art Fund help in 2000. This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.
More information
Title of artwork, date
The Triumph of Love, 1540s
Date supported
2008
Medium and material
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
Diameter: 88.3 cm
Grant
180000
Total cost
430143
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