Tiziano by Augusto Gentili - Titian Book Launch in Venice Nearly Causes a Riot

Venus of Urbino by Titian

(Venice, Italy) Only in Venice can the launch for a new book about a 16th-century artist cause a near riot, but that is what happened yesterday afternoon at the Museo Correr. At the launch for Tiziano by Augusto Gentili, a small group, including yours truly, was left standing outside the open door to the exquisite Salone da Ballo, the ballroom of the former Royal Palace, when we were informed that no one else would be admitted.

This was surprising because even though all the seats were full, there was still enough room for us to stand in the back where people were already standing, and the outside group contained some distinguished residents. (Oftentimes in Venice, if you're late, you're late, no matter who you are, and they will just not let you in. I have seen some very important people refused entrance on more than one occasion.)

Ballroom at the Correr Museum

The panel was chaired by Piero Lucchi of the Correr Museum Library, with speakers Enrico Maria Dal Pozzolo of the University of Verona, Giorgio Tagliaferro of the University of Warwick, and Augusto Gentili, the colorful author of Tiziano (published by 24 Ore Cultura, Milano, 2012).

When the panel tried to begin, a gentleman in the outside group began shouting to at least open both double doors all the way so we could see -- only one side was open. He continued to shout until someone made the decision that it was probably wiser to let us all in than to keep us standing in the doorway making a ruckus. So, in we traipsed, and there was plenty of room to stand without blocking anyone's view.

Sacred and Profane Love

Titian, of course, was one of the most renowned artists who ever lived, and much has been written about him. This new book, "not to read on the vaporetto," according to Piero Lucchi, weighs in at almost nine pounds, 431 pages with 340 illustrations. 

Tiziano by Augusto Gentili

In Tiziano, Augusto Gentili takes a different approach to Titian. Not the usual painter and courtier whose subjects were colorful princes, popes and beautiful women, but a new artist, a painter who reflects and debates with intellectuals on contemporary issues and current problems such as politics and religion, music and literature. A painter ready to break away from Venice and the last Italian dominions, and who addressed the risk of the European dimension. Titian, presented in the context of the history of ideas.

Tiziano

Author: Augusto Gentili

Publisher: 24 Ore Cultura

Date: October 4, 2012  

431 pages

Italian language 

ISBN-10: 8866480932

ISBN-13: 978-8866480938

List Price: 115 euro 

Click to buy

Ciao from Venezia,

Cat

Venetian Cat - The Venice Blog