Description

Is this painting by Titian?

Titian, the celebrated and prolific 16th-century Venetian artist, and his large workshop painted several versions of this subject. Further research is needed to compare this painting with versions in Milan and Madrid to determine how much of each is by Titian himself, as opposed to being the work of his studio assistants. The Prado Museum in Madrid is often considered to have a copy made from Cleveland’s painting, which is superior in execution but not condition. Despite the damage caused by overcleaning, there are many fine passages, including the bowing white horse, his groom in shadow, and the cradled Christ child.

Provenance

Walsh Porter (died 1810), upon his death, held in trust by the estate; Estate of Walsh Porter (unsold, Christie's, London, April 14, 1810, no. 38; unsold, Christie's, London, June 21, 1811, no. 40; sold, Christie's, London, May 6, 1826, no. 7); Samuel Rogers (sold, Christie's, London, May 2, 1856, no. 700, to Mr. Ripp);; Hugh A. J. Munro of Novar (1797-1864), upon his death, held in trust by the estate; Estate of Hugh A. J. Munro of Novar, (unsold, Christie's, London, May 18, 1867, no. 183; sold, Christie's, London, June 1, 1878, no. 121, to C. Butler); Butler Johnstone, 1881; William Graham (1817-1885), upon his death, held in trust by the estate; Estate of William Graham (sold, Christie's, London, April 10, 1886, no. 472); J. Stewart Hodgson (sold, Christie's, London, June 3, 1893, no. 31); Ralph Brocklebank (sale: Christie's, London, July 7, 1922, no. 112); Julius Bohler, Munich; Durlacher Brothers, London and New York; Arthur Sachs [1880-1975] sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art (1928-1957); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1957-)