Flora
Jacopo Tintoretto·1590
Historical Context
This Flora by Tintoretto, held in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, depicts the ancient Roman goddess of flowers and spring in the tradition established by Titian's famous Flora (now in the Uffizi). The subject allowed for an idealized depiction of female beauty associated with abundance and renewal. Tintoretto's version, dating to around 1590, belongs to his late period and demonstrates the Venetian tradition of poetic, sensual images of women in mythological guise. The painting's presence in the Prado reflects the extensive Spanish royal collecting of Venetian Renaissance painting.
Technical Analysis
The figure of Flora is rendered with Tintoretto's characteristic warmth of palette, with luminous flesh tones and richly painted flowers and draperies. The loose, fluid brushwork of his late style creates a sense of atmospheric softness, while the figure's graceful pose demonstrates the Venetian tradition of idealized female beauty that Titian established.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the idealized figure of Flora in the tradition established by Titian, but rendered with Tintoretto's warmer, more dynamic energy.
- ◆Look at the fluid brushwork of the late style that creates a sense of atmospheric softness in the figure and setting.
- ◆Observe the luminous flesh tones and richly painted flowers and draperies that define this mythological beauty.
- ◆The graceful pose demonstrates the Venetian tradition of idealized female beauty while Tintoretto's late handling gives it life.
- ◆Find the flowers that identify the subject and give the composition its seasonal, sensuous character.
