Something of the home life of Titian must be known in order to
understand the loving care which he bestowed upon this portrait of his
daughter Lavinia. The painter's works were in such demand that he could
afford to live in a costly manner. He had a true Venetian's love of
luxury, and liked to surround himself with elegant things. His society
was sought by rich noblemen, and he himself lived like a prince.
When somewhat over fifty years of age Titian removed to a spot just
outside Venice in the district of Biri, where he laid out a beautiful
garden. The view from Casa Grande, as the house was called, was very
extensive, looking across the lagoon to the island of Murano and the
hills of Ceneda. Here Titian entertained his guests with lavish
hospitality. A distinguished scholar of that time, one Priscianese, who
had come to Venice in 1540 to publish a grammar, describes how he was
entertained there: "Before the tables were set out," he writes, ... "we
spent the time in looking at the lively figures in the excellent
pictures, of which the house was full, and in discussing the real beauty
and charm of the garden.... In the meanwhile came the hour for supper,
which was no less beautiful and well arranged than copious and well
provided. Besides the most delicate viands and precious wines, there
were all those pleasures and amusements that are suited to the season,
the guests and the feast.... The sea, as soon as the sun went down,
swarmed with gondolas, adorned with beautiful women, and resounded with
the varied harmony of music of voices and instruments, which till
midnight accompanied our delightful supper."
The darling of this beautiful home at Casa Grande was the painter's
daughter Lavinia, and the portrait shows how she looked in 1549. Her
mother had died before the removal of the family to Biri, and the aunt,
who had since tried to fill the vacant place, died about the time this
portrait was painted. A new responsibility had therefore fallen upon the
young girl, and she was now her father's chief consolation. It is
thought that the picture was painted for Titian's friend Argentina
Pallavicino of Reggio. As a guest at her father's house this gentleman
must often have seen and admired the charming girl, and the portrait was
a pleasant souvenir of his visits.
Lavinia is seen carrying a silver salver of fruit, turning, as she goes,
to look over her shoulder. The open country stretches before her, and it
is as if she were stepping from a portico of the house to the garden
terrace to bring the fruit to some guest. She is handsomely dressed, as
her father would like to see his daughter. The gown is of yellow
flowered brocade, the bodice edged with jewelled cording. Over the neck
is thrown a delicate scarf of some gauzy stuff, the ends floating down
in front. An ornamental gold tiara is set on the wavy auburn hair, an
ear-ring hangs from the pretty ear, and a string of pearls encircles the
neck. Imagine the figure against a deep red curtain, and you have in
mind the whole color scheme of this richly decorative picture.
[Illustration: Fr. Hanfstaengl, photo. John Andrew & Son. Sc.