Polyptych of the Resurrection 1522

Titian painted this Polyptych of the Resurrection in oil on canvas sometime in the 16th century. The scale of the painting is impressive, but what’s really striking is Titian’s masterful use of oil paint. You can see how he has used the medium’s fluidity to create dramatic lighting and a real sense of movement. Oil paint allowed Titian to build up layers of color, creating a sense of depth and luminosity that would have been impossible with earlier techniques like egg tempera. The polyptych format itself is interesting. It was a traditional format for altarpieces, but Titian has used it in a dynamic way, creating a series of interconnected scenes that draw the viewer's eye. Titian was one of the first artists to really exploit the potential of oil paint, and this polyptych is a testament to his skill and innovation. Considering the materials and processes that went into its making allows us to appreciate not only the artistic skill involved, but also the wider social and cultural context in which it was created.