"An Allegory of Marriage," (c. 17th century) by Titian.

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS

"An Allegory of Marriage," in Honour of Alfonso d'Avalos, marchese del Vasto" (c. 17th century) by Titian. Oil on canvas, 122 x 92 cm. Collection: National Trust

The painting by Tiziano Vecelliohas (Titian) has long been known as depicting Alfonso d'Avalos, marquis del Vasto, military commander in Italy of the Emperor Charles V, with his wife Marie d'Aragon. It is now simply entitled an allegory of marriage, where 'Mars (in armour), Venus with Cupid and his arrows, and two other females, maybe representing Hymen and Fortuna' are depicted. A preparatory drawing, 100 x 101 cm, with some differences, is also owned by the Musée du Louvre, inventory n°754 bis. Musée du Louvre, Paris.