Details

Object type

painting

Title

Christ and the Adulteress

Artist/Maker

Tiziano Vecellio artist

Culture/School

Italian

Place Associated

Italy, Venice (place of manufacture)

Date

circa 1508-1510

Materials

oil on canvas

Dimensions

framed: 1835 x 2260 x 145 mm;unframed: 1392 mm x 1817 mm

Description

This is one of the most important works in Glasgow’s collections. It is painted in oil on canvas by the Venetian master Tiziano Vecellio, usually called Titian. It is an early work, dating from about 1509, when the young Titian’s developing style was still close to that of his teacher, Giorgione. Another work now in Glasgow’s collection, the Head of a Man, originally formed part of this same painting, but was cut off at an unknown date.

The subject is an illustration of the gospel story of Christ being asked to sentence an adulterous woman to death. He replied that all those who even briefly consider the idea of adultery but do not act on it are as guilty as the woman, whom he dismissed, telling her not to sin again.

This painting is important as a rare example of Titian’s early work to be seen outside Italy. It was previously attributed to other Venetian artists, including Giorgione, but almost all experts now agree that it was painted by Titian. It is a key work in Titian scholarship, and much admired by visitors.

The painting was bequeathed to the City of Glasgow by Archibald McLellan in 1854.

Credit Line/Donor

Archibald McLellan Collection, purchased, 1856

Collection

Archibald McLellan Collection

ID Number

181

Location

In storage